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^iQiy 7//3,^,w;^
FROM THE FUND BEQUEATHED BYT
ARCHIBALD GARY COOLIDGE \
AB 1887 PROFESSOR OF HISTORY
1908-1928 DIRECTOR OF THE
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 1910-1928
1^
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THE JEW,
r
TRANSLATED FROM THE POLISH OF
JOSEPH IGNATIUS KRASZEWSKI
BY
LINDA DA KOWALEWSKA
NEW YORK
EAD & COMPANY
PUBLISHERS
r\ DODD, Ml
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SG-ou^ 7/1 S, (o,9-l^
/r^htd. .'/ // {i-j\-,(< .1
y
Copyright, 1S90
By DODD, mead & COMPANY.
A// rights reserved
PKzss or
BOSTON
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I. — Sestri-Ponente I
II. — Judaism and Poland 28
III. — Education of Jacob 39
IV. — Aqua Sola 61
V. — A Simple History of Love ... 81
VI. — From Genoa to Pisa 103
VII. — Voyage on. Foot 119
VIII. — The Sabbath . ♦ 157
IX. — The Eve of an Insurrection, . .182
X. — The Pursuit of a Husband . . . 207
XI. — A Political Meeting 224
XII. — A Siren 231
XIII. — Akiba 252
XIV. — Alea Jacta Est 268
XV. — A Perilous Inierview 281
XVI. — The Jews in Council 285
XVII. — Reunion of the Nobles . . . .293
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iv CONTENTS.
CHAPTSR PAGE
XVIII. — The Country Will^j^^ * 'l^i 3'^
XIX. — A Father's Grief ^H' 4 *'"> ^Ih 319
XX. — Muse Cultivates the Russians. . 323
XXL — LiA 338
XXII. — The Old Mother 347
XXIII. — Russian Politics 363
XXIV. -^ The Seducer 376
XXV. — Between Two Fires 382
XXVI. — The Reconciliation 389
XXVII. — Jacob in Flight . .' . . . . 394
XXVIII. — Love of Country 413
XXIX. — The Gordlvn Knot 431
XXX. — The Insurgents 438
Epilogue 454
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THE JEW.
CHAPTER I.
SESTRI— PONENTE.
On a warm afternoon in the autumn of 1 860 the best,
or rather the only, inn of Sestri-Ponente was full of peo-
ple. Firpo, the host of the Albergo e Trattoria della
Grotta, was little accustomed to such a crowd, except
on Sundays and fete-days. As this was only a simple
Thursday, his sunburnt cheeks reflected a smile of
satisfaction.
Sestri-Ponente is situated an hour's distance from
Genoa, on the sea-shore " in vincinanza del mare "
and on the grand route from Savona to Nice. Sestri,
beside dock-yards for the construction of small mer-
chant-vessels, which is its chief source of wealth, pos-
sesses also a fine beach where it is possible to bathe
in safety. It has this one superiority over Genoa " la
superba,^^ which lacks sea-bathing. Genoa has all
else; even her trees seem dwarfed near her stately
edifices ; she has a magnificent harbour, and if one is
determined to bathe in the sea he can hire a boat to
take him some distance from the quay, where the
water is not full of all sorts of debris. Once in clear
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2 THE JEW,
water a rope is tied around his waist, and he can seat
himself on the steps fixed to the back of the boat. If
he slip, the honest boatman draws him out of the sea,
by the rope, at the end of which he looks like a new
species of fish suspended on a hook. Those who dis-
like this method are at liberty to bathe in the salt-
water of the port or in the marble bath-houses of the
Piazza Sarzana ; but to bathe where the beach is more
or less rocky one must abandon Genoa for the fash-
ionable Livoume, the charming Spezia, or the modest
Sestri. The wealthier classes congregate at the former
resorts. Sestri is patronized more by quiet people
who wish to economize, who prefer a peaceful life to
the distractions of the gay world, and the fresh sea-
breeze to the feverish gayety and gossip of a crowded
watering-place. The scenery is somewhat sombre, but
not altogether deprived of the picturesque ; in grave
and classic lines, like that of Poussin, are delineated
vineyards, groves, gardens, and luxurious villas, to-day
used chiefly as country-seats for the Italians. Here
and there the spires of little churches and of convents
rise to heaven and complete the panorama. The steep
banks extend on one side as far as Genoa, on the
other to Savona, and are then lost in the immensity of
the sea, a mighty space of blue and green.
From a distance the Albergo della Grotta makes a
good appearance. This pretty little palace was for-
merly the villa of a rich noble, and was never intended
to be an inn. Its approaches are lined with laurels,
pomegranates, and orange-trees, and it is reached by
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SESTRI-PONES^TE. ^
a Steep path with steps cut in the solid rock. Every-
where traces appear of the fastidious taste of some
former owner, and in the midst of all this beauty, with-
out regard for the neighbouring nobility, is a prosaic
inn. This shows that the conditions oflife are changing
everywhere. It is not only in Italy that one meets
edifices which do not respond to the exactions and
the needs of actual society. How many palaces are
changed into breweries, how many villas transformed
into inns, how many beautiful private gardens have be-
come plantations ! The opulent parvenus^ only, have
preserved some remains of the noble dwellings of the
extinct or ruined nobility. The great lords have built
for the bankers. The shell still remains, but the mol-
lusk has departed.
The principal ornament of our villa was that which
its name indicates, a grotto constnicted with great
skill, recalling the time when the Roman Caesars es-
tablished oyster-parks on their roofs and forced nature
into every extravagance. This grotto formed a vast
salon occupying an entire wing of the house, and,
thanks to the bizarre ornamentation of stalactites, had
every appearance of a natural cavern. The walls
were of gypsum of all colours. A labyrinth lighted
from above led to a fish-pond and a fountain, from
which the water flowed slowly, its musical plashing
being a genuine refreshment on a hot summer's day.
On entering this subterranean place for the first
time one experienced a sense of melancholy, but
gradually the eye became accustomed to the twilight
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4 THE JEW,
and the illusion disappeared, and was followed by a
delicious feeling of refreshment and enthusiasm.
To-day this grotto serves for the dining-room of the
inn. Tables are set in the middle and in the dark
comers, and on the rocks surrounding the fish-pond
is placed a table where at times the workmen em-
ployed in the neighbouring forges eat, drink, and sleep.
When they cede this place, it is only to tourists or to
English families.
Here all classes fraternize over their wine and
macaroni. The host serves with the same zeal the
lords or the drivers. Who knows that he does not
prefer the latter, for the lords seldom return, while
the post-drivers, like an intermittent fever, come back
every other day. The cuisine of this inn was no
better nor worse than any other Italian cookery The
wine was agreeable enough to a palate that was not
too blascy and a grateful freshness made the grotto
a delightful retreat during the day, for no brawling
crowd or discordant music ever disturbed the place.
Over the skylight the pomegranate and orange trees
intermingle their branches, and when all was still
could be heard the murmuring of the sea, a fine view
of which might be had from the flat roof of the grotto.
Sestri is a village which is animated only at times
by travellers, and to which the railway gives but a
fugitive vitality. Few people stop here, for before
them near at hand appears the vision of Genoa, and
each one hastens to reach " la Superba." Only the
visitors of the Villa Palaviccini, which is near, meet at
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SESTRI-PONENTE, 5
Sestri with the occasional tourists who do not dislike
the brodi of Signor Firpo.
The inn, as we have said, was, for a sultry afternoon,
unusually full of people. Two diligences painted blue,
as well as other vehicles, had arrived from Genoa and
Nice. The host naturally conducted his guests to the
grotto, which he loved to show off as a wonder. The
tables were soon taken by the travellers, who, once
comfortably seated, began to examine each other with
a certain distrust.
Near one of the tables was seated a young man of
medium size. At the first glance one would judge
from his expressive face and regular features that he
was an Italian ; but examining him more closely cer-
tain characteristics of the Oriental type would be dis-
covered. Sorrow or labour had prematurely furrowed
his high forehead, and the energy of his glance de-
noted a strong character. He appeared like one who
had conquered himself after long internal combats.
His was a sympathetic face and drew men to him.
His costum^J4iot extremely elegant, yet comfortable
and in good -liiste, attested, if not a great fortune, at
least a fair competency. Before him were spread the
remains of a frugal repast of fruit, wine, and cheese.
A short distance from him was a group of three
persons, one of whom was a woman. She was a clear
brunette with red lips, and had passed her first youth,
but was still very attractive, almost beautiful, and the
natural gayety of her manner was augmented by a
charming air of good-will toward all. She appeared
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6 THE JEW,
to be the idol of the two men seated near her. One of
fine physique, dark complexion, and quiet manners
was evidently her husband, or else a very intimate
friend. The other cavalier was blonde, slender, and
timid as a young girl, pushing on every occasion.
The trio ate slowly, and seemed to try to shake off
the melancholy impression produced by the singular
dining-room.
On the other side a man sat smoking, with a bottle
of wine before him. Under his long black disordered
hair he knitted his brows. Although still young he
bore the traces of a dissipated life. His bronzed
complexion, his thick lips, his low, square forehead
which made him resemble the sphinx, indicated that
he was the descendant of a non- European race. He
looked like a carving in basalt, but in basalt worn by
the storms of passion, to-day extinct but formerly
tumultuous. One was reminded on regarding him of
those lakes which, agitated in the morning, are calm
under the soft breeze of evening.
Farther off lounged two Italians, eatrily jecognized
by the carelessness of their attitude in spite of the
presence of a lady. Their nationality was furthermore
betrayed by their olive complexions and long black
hair falling over their shoulders. The younger wore a
mustache i la Victor Emmanuel^ which gave him a
military air. The second and stouter man was an
artist. They both had that air of content worn by
men who are at home and breathe their native air.
Separated from them by an empty table a pale.
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SESTRI-PONENTE. tj
blonde young man seemed to seek solitude. This
was a son of Germany. Despite his phlegmatic
manner and apparent indifference one could divine
nevertheless that he had experienced some misfortune.
Clad poorly and with a certain negligence, forgetting
his bread and cheese he looked dreamily at the grotto
and his neighbours, absorbed entirely in awaiting the
morrow, yet as though he dreaded it.
All the company was silent and a little sleepy.
From time to time could be heard voices at the table
where the only woman of the party was seated ; at
times the clinking of glasses and of bottles ; then the
silence became more profound.
Suddenly a stranger entered by a little back-door.
All eyes were turned toward him. There was some-
thing in the sudden appearance of this man that was
startling. He was very pale and thin. His garments,
gray with dust, proved that he had travelled long on
foot. Fatigue had marked his visage, and imprinted
on his features that melancholy beauty which interests
at first sight all men truly worthy of that name. His
eyes were sunken, but their expression was soft as the
glance of a woman, and attested almost superhuman
sufferings. His haversack, his staff, and his miserable
appearance showed that he travelled on foot rather
from necessity than from preference.
He sought timidly with his eyes an obscure comer ;
then, seeing that almost all the tables were occupied, he
moved slowly to a seat near the German ; but scarcely
had he taken off hi? straw hat ?md wiped the sweat
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8 THE JEW,
from his brow, than his figure contracted under fright-
ful suffering. He seized the table convulsively to
steady himself, but his strength gave way and he fell
unconscious to the ground. In the fall he overturned
his chair, and it was a miracle that he did not cut his
head on the stalactites of the grotto. He remained
stretched at full length, pale as a corpse, and retaining
on his features that expression of calm which death
gives. All the travellers, led by the lady, — we must do
them that justice, — rushed to his assistance. It was
the lady who showed most presence of mind, and she
proved a veritable sister of charity. In every woman
there is a mother and a sister. She seized a carafe,
and wetting a napkin applied it to the temples of the
unknown, who sighing deeply opened his eyes, and
soon came to himself. At first he seemed ashamed of
his accident. He leaned on his elbow, his eyes tim-
idly lowered, and stammered some unintelligible words
of thanks.
Short as was the time of this little scene the land-
lord had already heard of it. He hastened, speech-
less from fear of the formalities which would follow a
sudden death in his inn, and he had already decided
to beg the invalid to go and die elsewhere, when he
was reassured by seeing the stranger again conscious.
This first thought of Signor Firpo was characteristic
of our age, which, in place of giving the hand to the
unfortunate, repulses him, and does not recognize in
the poor the right to be ill. The first sentiment ex-
perienced to-day when men meet is that of suspicion
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SESTRUPONENTE. 9
or distrust. Indifference has replaced the ideal. So-
ciety has turned its back on the unfortunate, and its
motto is egotism.
The innkeeper felt a little ashamed when he saw
the solicitude of all his patrons for the unfortunate
man. Nevertheless, he had no idea of harbouring dur-
ing the night a traveller who fainted so easily and who
had no baggage. Genoa is not far off. There are
hospitals there, thought he. I must see that he leaves
as soon as possible.
What would have been the exasperation of the
honest Firpo if he had known that hunger was the
cause of the fainting?
For the present he did not announce his charitable
intention on account of his guests who gathered around
the new-comer. A common feeling of compassion and
charity drew these strangers to each other. They
fraternized like old friends, conversing now in French,
now in Italian, in order to understand each other.
The woman sought with her deUcate hands the
wound on the young man's head, whence flowed the
blood which stained his temples. The men talked in
low voices about the accident, and with a forced smile
the stranger muttered feebly : —
" It is nothing ! Pardon and thanks I But the
heat — fatigue — " " Or rather hunger," added the
spectators, looking at the poor fellow whose sunken
cheeks showed that they were right.
Gradually calm was again established. Some one
advised the invalid to take a little wine, and the
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lO THE JEW.
woman brought him her own glass after having filled it.
He raised it to his lips, thanking her timidly.
"Will you come and sit with us, monsieur?" said
she drawing near him ; " after a little rest this weak-
ness will pass away." Then she added : —
" These accidents are sometimes succeeded by
another, and it will be prudent to be near us. We
can watch over you. And if the question is not
indiscreet, will you tell us whence you came and where
you are going ? "
" I go to Genoa, madame," replied the unknown.
" And you come from a distance ? "
" Quite a distance, from France. I have travelled
on foot, and am very weary."
There was a short silence. But the woman was
curious and continued the r61e of interrogator.
"Then you are not a Frenchman? "
" No, madame."
" I knew it by your accent."
The other travellers approached the table where the
stranger was seated, and the conversation became
general. They talked of their travels, and during this
time the invalid became stronger. His extreme pale-
ness diminished as the blood circulated more rapidly
in his veins. The woman fixed on him a maternal
gaze.
"You are truly unpardonable," continued she.
" Being subject to fainting, you ought not to have
undertaken such a long journey alone and in such
beat. Although Italy is safe in the vicinitv of Naples,
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SESTRI-'PONENTE, 1 1
and has lost her legendary brigands, who no longer
exist except in romances, you might have been assas-
sinated or at least robbed in some lonely place on the
route that you have taken."
The young man smiled sadly, hung his head, and
repUed in a low voice, " It would have been impos-
sible, madame, to have followed your excellent advice.
I had not the means to do so."
" Poor boy," murmured his fair questioner, " this
is frightful ! "
" I am an exile," continued he raising his head.
"I am a Pole. I left my country on account of
some college pranks for which I would have been
sent to Siberia, with my future ruined. I hoped to
find a warm welcome from compassionate nations.
I sought it in Germany, in England, and in France.
Everywhere beautiful words concealed a cold indiffer-
ence. At last I thought of Italy. It has a people
whose destiny not long ago somewhat resembled ours.
Outlaws, they also sought from the world a little aid
and s)rmpathy. Alas ! " He interrupted this in-
voluntary confession, which had produced different
impressions on his hearers.
He had at first somewhat chilled the company,
who, however, soon submitted to a more generous
sentiment, and felt themselves captivated by his frank-
ness.
" We are, then, in a measure compatriots," said in
Polish the blonde young man seated near the beauti-
ful lady. " I am a little Polish, but Galician." The
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12 THE JEW.
"but" sounded coldly on the ears of the outlaw,
who nevertheless saluted him, and took in silence his
outstretched hand.
The dark man with majestic features arose in his
turn.
" I, also," declared he in a slightly ironical tone,
" have the honour to present myself as in a measure
your compatriot. I am Polish, but a Jew."
The Galician turned quickly toward the last speaker,
who was warmly shaking the hand of the exile.
" In this general recognition," added the lady's
second cavalier, "permit me also to consider myself
as somewhat your countryman. We are brother
Slavs, for I am a Russian, but outlawed. Give me,
then, your hand."
" Outlaw or vagabond, it is all the same," said the
man with the bronzed skin. " Permit me, then, as a
brother in exile and vagabondage, as a pariah, to
fraternize with you. I am a Tsigane, but a rich
Tsigane, and that is a rare thing. It is the only
reason why I am not rubbing down horses, and why I
do not rob hen-roosts. Yes, messieurs, I belong to
that condemned race who in the Middle Ages were
driven out at the bayonet's point, and who are to-day
under the supervision of the police. The only ex-
ception made is for our sisters under twenty years
who have white teeth, a sweet voice, and la beauU du
diable. To reassure you, I repeat, messieurs, that I
am very rich ; that, surely, is a corrective for the worst
reputation. I am not, however, a Tsigane king. I
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SESTRI-PONENTE.
13
am only an idler by profession." He laughed sar-
donically, watching the effect of his words, then con-
tinued : " I bear on my face the indelible witness of
my origin. No magic water can whiten my skin.
No cosmetic can conceal my race."
"Listen, messieurs," interposed the lady with
vivacity, " if banishment and a nomadic life are the
standard of your good-will, you can admit me to
your society. My father was Italian, of that Italy
which was not yet a country, but a ' simple geographi-
cal expression,' to quote Mettemich. He emigrated
voluntarily to England. My mother was of an old
Irish family. My husband, Russian; and if that be
not enough, my grandmother was Greek."
A little man suddenly advanced from the midst of
the circle brandishing an enormous parasol. He was
dressed with great care, and wore a pair of spectacles,
with shoulder-straps crossed on his breast from which
hung on one side a lorgnette and on the other a game-
bag.
" Bravo ! bravissimo I " cried he, taking a part in
the conversation. " Pardon me for interrupting you,
madame, but I desire to participate in this general
introduction, and I flatter myself that I have rights
which give me the priority. I am a Dane by birth.
My mother was Scotch or English, my grandmother
an Italian. I have long lived in France, and I believe
that I am even naturalized. I hope, then, to have the
right to dine in a company from all the world. What
think you, my friends ? "
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14 THE JEW.
There was a general laugh, and he was admitted
with frank and joyous cordiality.
" I solicit the same honour," said the German with
a heavy air ; " I, also, am an exile." With these words
he bowed and seated himself.
"The question of country," said the Dane, " is to-
day a simple question of money. With a full purse
one is everywhere received, everywhere naturalized ;
with gold one has everywhere the right of citizenship.
No money ; no country 1 No money ; move on !
The only real outlaw, the true pariah, is he who has
nothing. With money one can buy as many countries
as he desires. That is why I do not feel the want
of one."
With these words he shrugged his shoulders and
was silent, and one of the Italians arose.
" My friend and I," said he, " do not wish to be ex-
cluded from this charming circle, and we have both a
title to be received among you. In the first place, we
are artists, who are always nomads in body and spirit.
And though we are Italians, one is a Roman, the other
Venetian. And we can tender the hand to the Pole,
for we are brothers in poverty."
" No ! no ! " cried the Pole. " You are not like us,
despoiled of all. You know whither to fly from per-
secution. All Italy is open to you. You have a
country, a king, and a government. We have only
police, spies, executioners, and persecutors. We are
always menaced with Siberia or death. Europe does
not recognize even our right to exist."
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SESTRI-PONENTE.
15
These words, vibrating with despair, threw into the
conversation the dramatic note. All the men in this
motley society — Italians, Poles, Jew, Dane, and
Tsigane — gathered around the little tables, and even
those who were least inclined to make new acquaint-
ances could not resist the general impulse. The ice
had been broken by the fainting and the confession of
the Pole.
We very often hesitate to make new acquaintances
when travelling. The motive is usually a selfish one.
Each encounter costs us some words of politeness,
some courteous concessions, if our ideas are not in
accord with those of our new friend. And all these
concessions are a total loss, because before long we
part at the next station. It is an expense that one
can easily avoid. It is much pleasanter to be silent
and to stretch one's legs without caring for a neigh-
bour who will be gone in a few moments.
For once the guests of Sestri-Ponente forgot all
considerations of personal comfort. The woman had
communicated to all the sentiment of charity which
had seized her.
Everjrthing is contagious in this world, even virtue.
A half-century ago, when there was less travelling, men
were much more accessible to each other. To-day
there passes before our eyes such a procession of
specimens of human kind, from the prince without a
crown to the proUtaire without a shirt, that one re-
flects that caution is necessary.
Man has become cosmopolitan, and he avoids sym-
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i6 THE JEW,
pathetic persons for fear he may become attached to
them.
The landlord, concealed behind the door, felt re-
assured on seeing him whom he thought dying, under
the protection of the whole company. This protec-
tion relieved him from obligations, the very thought
of which was terrifying.
As a good action reacts on those who are the cause
of it, the lady was radiant. She chatted with the
Venetian and the Roman, interrogated the Pole,
argued with the Dane, said some words to the Tsigane,
even smiled at the phlegmatic German, and so
charmed the whole company that each one com-
menced to dread the hour of departure. The con-
versation continued gayly as it had begun.
" I am not altogether a cosmopoUte," said the lady;
" man needs a country, and he who has none has one
joy the less in his heart, one love the less in his life,
and in his thoughts a hope and a consolation the less.
Rather than want a country one ought to choose and
create one to love, for it is necessary for a young man
to have an ideal love if he has not a real one. How-
ever, love of one's country does not imply hatred of
others. It is a beautiful thing this human brother-
hood."
" Very well said," agreed the Dane, who, in order
to put in his word, had left his macaroni. " But unfortu-
nately, madame, this fraternity belongs only to fabu-
lous and Utopian days, like the English republics and
the patriarchal monarchies. It is a dream, like the
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SESTRI-PONENTE.
17
imaginary cottages of lovers with idyllic roots and
herbs for food, and the clear water of the rushmg
brook for drink ; it is an idle dream, like any other
nonsense that men have invented in this age of beef-
steaks, of business, of bank-notes, and comfort. It is
thousands of years since men coined the word ' frater-
nity.' Eh ! madame, ask the Muscovite to love the
Pole, and the English to love the French ; demand,
then, of the German to renounce his disposition to
assimilate all the neighbouring provinces and to de-
mand their ground for the cultivation of his potatoes ;
ask him then to cease singing the praises of his
mother- country wherever he may be.*'
" Oh I oh I " said the peaceable German shaking
his head. "Behold already a satire on the most
inoffensive of men." Then he resumed between his
teeth, " Oh ! Schiller ! "
" I have had the pleasure of reading all his works,"
replied the Dane, returning to his macaroni, "in a
translation. He has written many beautiful things.
But beautiful verses do not characterize a people, my
dear German. I call you very dear, because I love
exceedingly men in general, although I hate a few in
particular. Well, very dear son of blonde Germany,
I tell you, without remembrance of your monopoly of
Schleswig and of Holstein, two principalities to which
I do not belong, — I tell you frankly, Schiller, Goethe,
Kant, Herder, and Lessing are not Germans."
"How is that?"
"Listen, peaceable son of industrious Germany;
Digitized by VjOOQIC
i8 THE JEW.
do not fly in a passion. I know you, that is why I
maintain that neither Schiller nor the others belong
to you."
"To whom do they belong, then?" demanded the
German, striking his knife on the table.
"They are geniuses like Shakespeare. They be-
long to the whole world, and not to His Majesty the
King of Prussia. They are not as well known in the
country that has produced them as in other lands."
"That is perfectly true," added the young Pole.
"I feel that I understand Schiller better than most
Germans, who go into ecstasies over his genius, and
raise statues on all the street comers, and throw a flat
contradiction over the poet's ideal by shutting them-
selves up in a narrow and egotistical nationality."
" Enough, young enthusiast !" interrupted the Dane.
" You are twenty-one or " —
" Twenty-two," said the Pole.
"I will not permit you to discuss the subject of
egotism yet. Wait a few years, until you become an
egotist yourself. * Nemo sapiens nisi patiens^ I ad-
mit, however, that you have comprehended my mean-
ing very well, and that you have argued fairly."
A general laugh seized the whole company.
" With your permission," added the Dane, taking
up his lorgnette, which he had placed on the table,
" this threatens to become a rather long international
conference. It is necessary that I should reinforce
the inner man to sustain the discussion. Macaroni is
very * filling,* but does not nourish overmuch. I shall
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SESTRI-PONENTE.
19
send for something more substantial. Decidedly,
these Italians for many generations of stomachs have
cultivated an exaggerated taste for macaroni."
" Do not trouble yourself about us ! " replied the
lady smiling.
" Monsieur Pole," continued the loquacious Dane,
"do not be offended if I invite you brusquely to
dine with me. It is simple egotism. When I eat
alone I am not hungry. To see any one eat gives me
an appetite, and I divine in you a Polish stomach."
The young man blushed deeply and murmured,
"But — but** —
" No buts. It is a service which you can render
me. Eat like a wolf; I will enjoy looking at you in
coveting your appetite.**
With these words he sighed with regret and knocked
on the table. A waiter in his shirt-sleeves came run-
ning in. Each one ordered his dinner. The conver-
sation flagged, and the German, gloomy and indignant,
went and seated himself in a comer.
"Monsieur is provoked," said the Dane to him;
" but monsieur is wrong. I esteem your nation very
highly, and I render justice to all its general qualities.
The Germans abound everywhere, like the trichina ;
and like it, the hardier they are the more surely they
provoke the death of those who have received them.
It is a credit to the people, though it be an offence in
the trichina. If you dislike my opinion read Heine,
who justifies me in all points."
The German made a gesture of contempt.
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20 THE JEW.
" Heine, a Jew ! " said he in a low voice.
The Dane alone heard him, and leaning towards his
companion added, in an undertone, " I fear you will
soon be obliged to seek your future where Heine saw
it." Then lower still he pronounced this word, a title
in one of Heine's works, — " Hammonia ! "
After a short colloquy the two men evidently came
to an amicable understanding, for they shook hands.
The menu for the principal meal at the Albergo
della Grotto was as follows ; First a thick brodo, a
soup that alone with Italians supersedes their beloved
macaroni. Then a dish of fried fish and one of stewed
meat ; that, to say the least, was a little suspicious, for
it had come from Genoa in the heat of the day, and
was certainly somewhat fatig[ued by the journey. After-
ward a roast, then cheese and fruit.
The Dane grumbled, and said that the cooking was
unworthy of the least of scullions ; but the travellers
were hungry, and they excused many shortcomings.
The Pole had overcome his embarrassment and ate
with evident enjoyment, although he feared that his
new friends would divine his long fast. His companion
was not hungry, for he had eaten at Cogoletto. The
unfortunate young man considered this meal a God-
send, for he was saving his last sou to return home.
Having lost confidence in "human fraternity," he
relied only on his own strength and economy.
" Am I permitted to ask where you are going ? *»
said the lady, looking around the tables.
" As for me," said the one whom she had succoured.
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SESTRI-PONENTE. 21
" I go, or rather return, to Poland. It is two years
since I left it, and I return impelled by suffering and
hope. Aged by my trials, I have leil on the way all
my illusions."
"I also return to Poland," added the Jew. "I
consider it my country. Permit me to call it thus, for
I love it, and that gives me the right."
The two men pressed each other's hands like broth-
ers, whilst the Galician seemed to be looking for ,
something under the table, and feigned not to hear
them.
" I," said the Tsigane, " believe that I will go to
Hungary. I say believe ^ for it is not yet decided ; it
is only probable. I have relations established there.
They have left the tents of their tribe for more sub-
stantial dwellings. I wish to see them once more
and to salute them in our ancient language. But for
me every place is the same. I am never in haste ; I
have money, and wander where I will. My country is
any spot that suits me, for there does not exist for us
a country in the sense in which you use it. We have
forgotten our land since we left it, and if we should
return, she would not recognize her children. We
should be like Epimenides when he returned and
found that no one knew him."
"Well," said the Dane to the Pole brusquely,
"you have made a wonderful journey, and in the
most agreeable way. Necessity is often a blessing in
disguise. How often have I wished to be obliged to
go on foot, but, unfortunately, there has never been
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22 THE JEW.
any urgent reason for doing so, and I have always lis-
tened to the voice of sloth."
" You wish for everything," said the Jew ; " but at
the same time you lack the will to obtain the object
of your desires."
" That is true. But that which I long for most is
youth ! " replied the Dane.
" The route is truly charming enough to make one
forget hunger and heat," said the Pole. "Walking
along the shores of the blue sea, it seemed to me
that the world was ffnished in emeralds and opals
and sapphires. It was like Paradise, — an ideal land.
What a poem is the ocean ! "
"The ocean is not at all poetical," said the Dane ;
" it only seems so in your youthful enthusiasm. To
me the sea speaks only of oysters and fish."
The lady smiled at this prosaic remark, and softly
quoted, —
" O pritnavera / gioventu de Panno /
O gioventu / primavera della vita / "
" I intend to visit Italy, and I am going to Genoa,"
remarked the German laconically.
" I, also," added the Dane.
"We go anywhere," replied the Roman and the
Venetian.
"As for me," declared the Muscovite, "I am
obliged to wander, because I cannot return to * ia
sdinte Russie^ until" —
Digitized by VjOOQIC
SESTKI^PONENTE,
23
"Until the tempest explodes there/* finished the
Dane. "Was not that what you intended to say?"
added he.
The Moscovite made an affirmative gesture.
"As for me, I shall prolong my voyage," mur-
mured the Galician. " I wish to see Italy thor-
oughly."
" Then we are all bound for Genoa," resumed the
lady ; " this Genoa ' la superbay that we can already
catch a glimpse of here, and which I am anxious to
reach."
" Madame, do not complain of the length of the
route," observed the Jew. " The true happiness of
life is in knowing where one aims to be, and then
going slowly toward it. Genoa the beautiful is more
beautiful at a distance than when near. The journey
from here is ravishing."
" I know something of it, for I have come on foot
from Marseilles," said the Pole.
One of the Italians launched out into enthusiastic
praise of Italy "/a bella''
" I am not surprised to find love of country even
among the Esquimaux, but I cannot comprehend an
Italian that does not love Italy. Where else can be
found so beautiful a country ? At your feet eloquent
ruins of past ages, overhead a sky of unequalled
beauty, and everywhere wonders, with a climate which
restores life to the dying. Italy reigns queen of the
world ; they have plucked the diadem from her
brow, but she still continues calm and majestic. Bar-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
24 THE JEW.
barians have chained her beautiful hands, but she will
soon rise again and shake off her fetters. Tell me,
do you know a more beautiful land ? "
" I know one," replied the Pole mournfully. " A
gray sky envelops it; its soil is stained with blood.
The cemeteries alone speak of the past, and through
these burial-grounds pass often despairing groups of
chained men. It has no sapphire sea, — nothing but
the cold, icy wind. But it is the altar of innumerable
sacrifices, — it is my country."
The Itahans nodded their heads, and the Tsigane
smiled ironically.
"What matters it to a man," cried he, "whether he
be here or there ! Life is short, and death will soon
oblige him to return to the darkness whence he came.
Let us not become attached to anything or anybody.
It is not worth the trouble."
" What an error ! " interrupted the lady ; " it is by
the heart that one lives. All else is the bitter peel of
the fruit."
" In that case one must become accustomed to the
peel," said the Tsigane shrugging his shoulders.
A servant came to announce to the lady's cavaliers
that their carriage was ready, and he believed it his
duty to add that the diligence was also waiting at
the door to take the other travellers to Genoa. This
interruption had the effect of a cold douche on the
company, and a cloud passed over their counte-
nances.
"Thus," said the lady sighing, "we must separate.
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SESTKI-PONENTE.
25
Destiny pushes us on again like the galley slaves who
wish to stop on the way, and are relentlessly forced
onward by their keepers. God alone knows if we
shall ever meet again ! "
" No, we cannot tell," rejoined the Dane, adjusting
his lorgnette ; " but we shall certainly meet again the
t)rpes which we resemble. As for myself, I am con-
vinced that I have seen you all already somewhere,
and that I shall meet you again, but perhaps under a
form less attractive."
This odd idea did not please the lady, who was no
doubt offended at the thought of being considered an
ordinary woman.
" As for me, monsieur," said she haughtily, " this is
the first time in my life that ever I saw you, and I tell
you that " —
"That you do not desire to see me again?"
"That is not exactly what I was going to say. How-
ever, your belief in types and not in individuals shocks
me, I acknowledge. For what man has then a per-
fect ideal?"
" Men are but men, be certain of that, madame. I
affirm more : to believe in a variety of men is danger-
ous ; there are only certain types many times repeated.
We often think to find a new man, an unknown ; but
we soon recognize an old acquaintance who, between
you and me, does not amount to much,"
" In the abstract you are right, monsieur," said she,
glancing at the Russian, who smiled, and at the Gali-
cian, who appeared not to listen. " But," added she
Digitized by VjOOQIC
26 THE JKW,
quickly, '* we will not grieve about it. En route and
Au revoir / "
**Aurevoir/ but where?"
" At Genoa."
"At what place?"
" At Aqua Sola," said one of the Italians ; " there
is good music there, and there we may easily find each
other."
Every one arose and saluted the lady, who held out her
hand to the young Pole and wished him better health.
The rest of the company prepared to leave, wishing
each other a pleasant journey. The Dane took the
diligence and the Tsigane an omnibus. The Italians
went on foot. The German found it economical to
glide into the vehicle of the proprietaire, in the midst
of tomatoes and fruits.
" We will go together," said the Jew to the Pole.
" I do not wish to part with you. I have a carriage,
and if you will not come willingly I shall employ force."
" But I have no right to trouble you."
" On the contrary, you will do me a service. Soli-
tude fatigues me, and your company will distract my
thoughts. It is a genuine favour that you will grant
me. Come, no more doubts. Give me your hand,
brother, and think no more about it."
From the threshold of the inn the landlord saw the
departure of the invalid with great satisfaction. And
his joy was augmented by the fact that all had paid
well, and that his first care now was to prepare a sec-
ond dinner.
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SESTRI-PONENTE.
27
"What good luck," said he to himself, "that that
young stranger should have fallen into the hands of
those people. If it had not been so he might per-
haps have committed suicide here, and I should
have been obliged to bury him at my own expense,
for he did not appear to have a heavy haversack, and
I do not believe he had a sou. May God deliver me
from any more such tourists ! Yes, I have had a
lucky escape."
Digitized by VjOOQiC
28 THE JEW.
CHAPTER 11.
JUDAISM AND POLAND.
The two men traversed in almost uninterrupted
silence the short distance which separated Sestri
from Genoa. The route is simply a continuous line
of straggling hamlets. On one mass of rock arose
the ruins of an old tower ; above the door was the
image of the Virgin, patroness of the city. The
light-house appeared in the distance, then the harbour,
like an amphitheatre around which Genoa la Superba
is built. This beautiful city is seen to best advan-
tage from the sea. It is a city of palaces, with its
colonnades, its porticos and staircases, its streets
climbing toward the sky or sinking in sudden preci-
pices. It has been likened to an enormous shell
thrown up by the waves of the sea. The marine
monster who lived in this shell has been replaced by
a miserable spider ; a life full of littleness has suc-
ceeded the life of grandeur of past ages.
In this marble city the inhabitants to-day are some-
what embarrassed. The shell is too large for them,
— this shell, in the bottom of which the turbulent
Genoese Republic vied with Venice in its traffic and
its aristocracy. New peoples are there, new ways.
The Balbi and Palaviccini palaces now have the
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■JUDAISM AND POLAND, 29
appearance of tombs, while at the port the modem
Italian struggles for precedence in a new form of
existence, perhaps as full of pride as in the vanished
past.
The carriage rolled softly through the streets which
led to the interior of the city.
" Permit me to alight," said the young Pole
suddenly.
"Why?"
" To go in search of lodgings."
" I thought it was agreed that we travel together? "
" Yes ; but I wish to live alone. I tell you frankly
that I have scarcely enough to finish my journey. It
is necessary for me to seek cheap lodgings."
" Have you not accepted my fraternal offer to stay
with me ? "
" Yes, perhaps ; but poverty has its pride, as wealth
sometimes has its humility. Do not be angry be-
cause I wish to retain my independence. It is so
good to be free, when liberty costs only a bad dinner
and a wretched bed."
"I understand your scruples," replied the Jew.
" If they were of any value I would heed them.
I do not dream of chaining you to myself. My offer
amounts to little, but it is made with a good heart, and
if you find life with me insupportable you can leave
me. In asking you to share my lodgings, if only for
a night, I do not make any sacrifice, and you owe me
no gratitude. Do not refuse. I can share with you
without inconvenience, and it is you who will do me
Digitized by VjOOQIC
30 THE JEW.
a favour. I am sad- hearted ; solitude oppresses me,
I do not wish to be alone. Come with me to my
hotel. I do not ask you to amuse me, but only to
be near me. My heart longs to overflow into the
heart of a fellow-man. If I weary you, you are at
liberty to leave me to my sufferings."
" It would be foolish for me," said the Pole, " to
refuse such a courteous invitation. Pardon my too
susceptible pride. It was owing to my poverty."
'* I honour the sentiment," replied the Jew smil-
ing. Then he cried to the driver, "To the Hotel
F^der 1 "
The Hotel F^der, like most of the hostelries of
Genoa, of Venice, and of other Italian cities, is an
ancient palace appropriated to this new service. The
structure, half antique and half modern, has a strange
appearance. At the foot of the court, obscure and
abandoned, trickles an old fountain ; a narrow path
passes under the windows of the chambers, and on
every side can be discovered traces of former gran-
deur, relics of a romantic age now superseded every-
where by the plain practical life of to-day, whose chief
end is money-getting.
The companions obtained a large room on the
third floor with two beds, the windows of which com-
manded a fine view of the port, bristling with masts,
like a garden of shrubs despoiled of their leaves by
winter. In the distance the Mediterranean could be
seen stretching away to the horizon.
They had hardly entered the room when the young
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JUDAISM AND POLAND. 31
man fell exhausted into a chair, and seemed about to
swoon for the second time. Some cologne revived
him, and a slight repast soon dispelled his weakness,
the result of long fasting and excessive fatigue. His
strength returned with rest and nourishment.
"And now," advised the Jew, "lie down on this
couch, or perhaps it would be better to go to bed."
''If you will permit me? " asked the young man
timidly.
" Nay, I beg you to do so."
"And you?"
" Oh, I will see Genoa this evening. Never mind
me. I will amuse myself; all I^ask of you at present
is to sleep ; and, mind, you must not even dream."
He took his hat and cane and left the room. The
young man fell like one dead on the bed, and was
asleep before his head touched the pillow. Fatigue
is not the same in old age as in youth, for then sleep
soon restores the exhausted energies.
The young traveller was awakened from his pro-
foimd slumber by the discordant braying of the asses
grouped under the windows of the hotel. He had
forgotten the events of the past evening, and threw an
astonished glance around the luxurious apartment.
He who had for so long a time been accustomed to
sleep in miserable lodgings now awoke in a pleasant
room, and saw a simple but abundant breakfast spread
out on the table beside him.
The Jew returned from a sea-bath, prepared to do
it honour.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
32 THE JEW.
" Is it then very late? '* murmured the Pole, rising
from the bed.
"No, not very late. I arose early to enjoy the
freshness of the morning. Have you slept well ? '*
" I know not."
"How is that?"
" I fell like a piece of lead. I rise as I fell without
having stirred, without having moved even. I have
slept the sleep of the dead."
" And how do you feel at present ? "
" Strong as Hercules, thanks to you."
" Ah, bah ! thanks to youth. Does your head ache
still?"
" Not at all."
" Then let us attend to breakfast."
" You treat me too well, dear Amphitryon. This is
a breakfast worthy of LucuUus and of the Sybarites.
I have contented myself for a long while on awakening
with a glass of sour wine and a piece of bread with
cheese. A similar repast in the evening, and that was
all. I cannot permit myself luxuries. I, a poor
orphan, without future or friend, have never been
pampered."
" It is not necessary that this should hinder your
eating," interrupted the Jew gayly. " I am hungry,
and will set you an example. Let us begin. We will
become better acquainted."
" That is true ; we do not even know each other's
names."
"Very well. I have the honour to present you
Jacob Hamon."
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JUDAISM AND POLAND. 33
" And I," said the Pole in his turn, " my friends
have christened me familiarly with the name of Ivas. In
reality I am called Jean Huba. Huba, and not Hube,
which is a German name. You will learn it if you
know Poland a little, for- 1 am from a Russian province^
in the language of which Huba signifies champignon.
It is like the Polish Gzybowski or Gzybowicz. This
name became later an addition to the family name of
the Pstrocki who came from Masovia to gain their liv-
ing in a more fertile land. In full, I am Jean Huba
Pstrocki ex Masovia olim oriundus, in Russia posses-
sionatus et natusJ^
" Have you any kindred there? " asked Jacob.
" Neither kindred nor an inch of ground. I am an
orphan in every sense of the word. My father, after
losing his last cent, and seeing his little farm in
Volhynie devastated by hail and other plagues, died,
leaving me to the charity of men. From pity they
sent me to school, where I passed the examination
and entered the university."
" Why did you leave the country ? "
" Because with us college pranks are considered as a
crime ; because we are not permitted to love our coun-
try, neither in its past nor future ; because those who
stifle seek the air. For writing some simple patriotic
verses I was threatened with banishment to Siberia.**
"Always the malady of the oppressed," remarked
the Jew. "Where veterans are seen tearing up all
their rights, the young try to reconquer, and, in their
unreflecting enthusiasm, often find exile, misery, and
death."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
34 THE JEW,
They both sighed, and Jacob asked : —
** Why do you dream of returning to a country from
which you were obliged to flee ? "
" I know not myself," replied Ivas sadly ; " I only
know that I return to my native land. Suffering has
pushed me to it. I have not learned to live in any
other country, and exile is to me intolerable, morally
and physically. I left home believing that ideas of
liberty, concord, light, and justice vibrated in the
hearts of other men as in mine. Alas ! society is not
what I thought it. It has no place for the oppressed,
no hand to hold out to the dying, no consolation to
offer to the afflicted, no shelter to the proscribed. I
return, then, to the country I have left. There, at least,
beat some generous hearts, while in Europe " —
" Europe has grown old," interrupted Jacob. " She
is afraid of quarrelling. The world is in the hands
of charlatans who profit by the sufferings of mart)^^.
Truth is no more comprehended. They mock at her.
Men who are crafty and unscrupulous profit by
everything in these days. Self-interest is the only
spring of human interest. The heart has given out
its last spark of generosity, and the world is drifting
towards scepticism and intolerance. Men pride them-
selves on unbelief, for liberty has degenerated into
an unbridled license. Revolution has set up a pedestal
for the ambition of impostors, and the apostles of
progress make money out of their dupes. Fortunately
humanity will grow better."
While he was speaking, the sun rose high in the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JUDAISM AND POLAND, 35
heavens, and the heat, which was great, made it un-
comfortable to walk abroad. The Jew closed the
shutters, and the two companions continued their con-
versation in a subdued light and comparative coolness.
" I ought to make myself known to you," said the
Jew, after a short silence. "We understand each
other already, but my exceptional position requires
explanation. Our acquaintance, which commenced
near Genoa, will not end here, I hope. You can tell
me more of yourself later on, but it is right that I
should be the first to make a frank confidence. It is
a courtesy that I wish to show to our new-bom
friendship.
" The word * Jew ' contains all my history. It tells
my destiny, it divines my character. This known, the
consequences are certain. The Jew, even while he
has ceased to be a pariah in society, still remains no
less an enigma. For several thousand years he has
borne engraved on his forehead his holy mission, —
a mission of suffering, humility, and abasement. But
from this deep abasement he comes out greater, to go
forward toward the universal power he lends to the
entire world. He builds and tears down thrones,
dominates over govemments, makes laws, and reigns
in an invisible manner. It is with pride that I say it,
the word 'Jew * has immense significance.
" Pardon me if I forget myself in speaking of the
Jews. I feel myself a child of that great family on
the foreheads of which the finger of Moses has in-
scribed the mysterious name — Jehovah.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
36 THE JEW,
" Before being a man I am a Jew. This word recalls
much suffering, the first legislation worthy of human-
ity, the most ancient morals emanating from divine
wisdom in the Ten Commandments.
" As God is eternal, so are his laws. When nations
were wandering and lost in the by-ways of polytheism
and of anomalism (if I can by this word express the
absence of laws), the one God is manifested to us ; and
to us is communicated the sacred fire, which we have
preserved during all ages.
" We are spread over the whole world, holding fast
the word of God. During two thousand years we
have not made proselytes: we have guarded the
treasure for ourselves. The world is busy, toils and
labours ; and we live on, absorbed entirely in guarding
this treasure. We are preserved in all our suffering,
a distinct people, bearing everywhere our country in
our hearts, in our holy books and our religious ser-
vices, and in all the minute circumstances of life.
But to-day, I fear, alas ! that we have thrown from
our shoulders this dear burden. The Jewish idea
seems to have diminished with the cessation of perse-
cution. But to return to my personal history.
" I was bom of one of those Jewish families scattered
in the Polish villages. You probably know something
of the Jews in Poland, a country that I love as well
as you do, and on which I can cast only one reproach.
The Poles, though deeply imbued with the idea of
human dignity, refused the name of man to all those
who were not noble. Poland, like the Republic of
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JUDAISM AND POLAND, 37
Venice, has not known how to reform herself. Caste
prevailed to so great a degree that she has preferred
to perish sooner than adopt a new mode of existence,
and risk all in the defence of Hberty. Nevertheless,
in the lives of these people I recognize a great and
brilliant spirit like our own. In speaking of Poland,
I do not call myself a Pole, for I am a Jew, and we
are a distinct people, it matters not what land we
dwell in. In judging Poland's past impartially, one
can perhaps criticise, but must acknowledge that it is
full of poetry ; it is a Homeric epoch."
" Stop ! " cried the young Pole, " you are a son of
the present ; do not excuse the past."
" Why do you speak thus ? "
" Why? Because I was bom in the midst of new
ideas. I condemn the most brilliant epochs of our
history, for they were the veritable cause of our ruin.
We who are descended from those guardians of our
rights are now their judges, and we justly consider as
the greatest kings those who tried to crush the nobil-
ity to establish their own power."
" You are partly right. Nevertheless, when I medi-
tate on Poland, she seems to me strange, frightful, at
times almost savage, but always grand and magnificent,
chivalrous and noble. No one has a better right than
the Jew to condemn the Polish nobility, yet it is neces-
sary to judge a nation without personal prejudice."
" We will discuss this subject at another time," in-
terrupted the young man ; " but there is really some-
thing strange in the fact that I, a noble Pole, should
Digitized by VjOOQIC
3$ THE JEW,
condemn the past more than you, a Jew. You are
truly magnanimous ! "
Jacob smiled, and said, ** I am older than you, dear
brother, if not in years, at least in experience. Suffer-
ing, labour, and meditation, and perhaps, also, the sor-
rows of bygone generations, have prematurely aged me."
" That is true ; but tell me more about yourself."
"Do not be impatient. I cannot do otherwise.
We will travel over a rocky road, like the mineralo-
gists. Every time that we encounter a curious stone
we will strike it with our hammer to find out what it
contains. So we will pause to discuss different sub-
jects. But do you not remember that it will soon be
time to go to Aqua Sola? "
" Ah, yes ! It is true that we shall meet my beau-
tiful benefactress, who, like the Samaritan, gave me aid
in my distress."
" This Italienne who bathed your temples with water,
and at the same time, perhaps, lighted a fire in your
heart. But between yesterday and to-day there is an
abyss. Who knows how many will keep the rendez-
vous at Aqua Sola? "
" Do you think many will fail to put in an appear-
ance?"
" Experience has taught me to count very little on
engagements twenty- four hours old, and not at all on
those dating back several weeks."
" The evening is still far off," said the Pole.
"Very far. The sun is yet high in the heavens."
" Then pray continue your autobiography."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATION OF JACOB, 39
CHAPTER III.
EDUCATION OF JACOB.
" Who does not love to recall the occurrences of
youth, however sad ? I cannot boast of happiness in my
childhood, yet the memory of those days brings tears
to my eyes, and I repeat that which is written in one
of our books : * Youth is a garland of flowers \ old age,
a crown of thorns.* Even in comparison with ma-
turity, full of power and intelligence, those years seem
to me strewn with flowers, although they were unhappy.
"My parents were descended from an important
and once wealthy family, whose fortunes had declined
for several generations. They found themselves for a
time in the lowest degree of society, working in the
village inns or occupying themselves in some little
business or petty speculations in wheat or cattle. To
speak frankly, my father was an innkeeper in a little
village. He was a quiet, studious man, loving his
books, and little calculated for business. My mother
took care of everything. She was the second wife of
my father, Joel, who had lost his first after the- birth of
a son, Joel, who was already well grown when I came
into the world.
"Joel, the elder, was of a gloomy character, silent,
concentrated, a dreamer. He was absorbed in ab-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
40 THE JEW,
struse speculations, and was happy only when he was
left in undisturbed possession of his books. He was
generally esteemed on account of his learning, but his
family suffered from his inaptitude for business, which
was for us a question of life.
" It has been, and is still, with the Jews, a traditional
duty to amass wealth. This does not proceed from
the character of the race, but from the conditions un-
der which they live. The only rights accorded, or,
rather, dearly sold, to the Jews can at any moment be
revoked, suspended, or torn in shreds by the tribunal
of the clergy. Where can justice be found? To
whom can they complain ? The Jew has been forced
to seek in gold, which is worshipped by all nations, the
means of obtaining justice, rights, and consideration.
The p^or Jew has no defence, no protection, but the
head of the community to which he belongs. The
Christians have, in a measure, made a religious duty
of avenging the death of Christ on us ; this Christ who
was a Jew also. We are therefore obliged to cling to
our money as the only safeguard, though the law of
Moses condemns severely this love of gold. (Exodus
xxii. 25.)
" My father could not be accused of enriching
himself at the expense of others. In the end,
plunged as he was in metaphysical studies, which
made him forget the affairs of this world, he lost even
the little hoard that had been saved with so much
difficulty. All the care and labour fell on my poor
mother, who was much younger, and therefore inter-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATION OF JACOB, 41
ested in the future. I had two sisters younger than
myself, and my half-brother was much older.
" Our rural establishment consisted of a rented
farm, and a tavern situated near a highway. The
locality was much frequented. We were brought up
in a continual bustle, which, however, did not disturb
my father, who was too absorbed to notice it. My
mother and two servants worked hard to satisfy their
guests. It would have been a most profitable busi-
ness, in spite of a neighbouring rival, if fortune had
only smiled on us. But that which was made by the
sale of brandy, hay, and oats was lost in other ways.
In his transactions with the dealers in hides and cattle,
my father always came out worsted. He attributed
this ill-luck to the will of God ; but my mother grieved
bitterly over his lack of business tact. We, grew
poorer every day. The family jewels, my father's
furs and clothes, all that we possessed of any value,
were gradually parted with.
"The owner of the tavern was a noble. Fat,
hearty, always gay and good-humoured, he was a vi-
veur; a heart good enough, but terribly dissipated. He
cared not for the morrow, provided that to-day was
passed agreeably. At all times he required money.
He was our plague, although he was not wicked.
Every time that he sent for Joel my mother wept, for
she knew that he would have to take money with
him.
" At the manor-house, which was about half a mile
from the tavern, there was always a gay company.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
42 THE JEW,
When he was alone a single day, Mieuta almost died
of ennui. If no one came to amuse him, he ordered
his horses, and went to visit his neighbours. His wife
wept then, like my mother. She could not prevent
his dissipation nor correct his faults, but, womanlike,
she loved him in spite of all. To procure money
with which to amuse himself was the sole object of
this nobleman, and when he was told that he would
ruin himself, he replied carelessly, ' Ah, bah ! Provi-
dence will provide. I will die as I have lived.* "
" Such types," said Ivas, " are common with us.
Every district possesses several Micutas."
" At the same time that he sent for Joel to bring
him money," resumed the Jew, "his wife, Madame
Mieuta, sent to my mother, and begged her not to give
him any. But how could she resist when he was
determined to have his way at any cost ? Joel always
yielded to his demands. For his continual banquets
it was necessary to have fish, meat, sugar and
vegetables, spices and wine. And that was not all ;
the accounts increased, and my father was obliged to
give his note and pay usurious interest.
" Naturally I, too young to understand the state of
affairs, looked on the world around me, and found it
wonderful. The tavern was always full of travellers.
Behind our garden was a forest of oaks, where I loved
to wander, listening to the warbling of birds and the
rustling of the branches overhead. Now, I cannot
interest myself thus in nature ; human beings interest
me more. It i^ not given to every child to grow
Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATION OF JACOB. 43
up in such a turmoil, and in the midst of a crowd of
strangers continually going and coming. From it I
learned that there were many people in the world, and
at the same time that many of them were strangers.
I realized that all these people were preoccupied, and
cared nothing for us. My mother, in these early days,
could pay little attention to me, occupied as she was,
while my father prayed and read. We knew that she
loved us, but she had no time to caress or to amuse us.
I became accustomed at an early age to live alone. My
thoughts were my companions, and a secret mistrust
separated me from men. I loved, however, to observe
them and to penetrate their characters.
" I was still quite young when my father died, after
a short illness. That day of mourning and lamenta-
tion is engraved on my memory. It was then that I
pronounced for the first time the words, as is the duty
of all Israelites whom the hand of God has stricken,
* Glory to Thee, equitable Judge, may Thy will be
done.'
"After the old man*s death, which left me an orphan,
our landlord turned us out of the tavern in spite of my
mother's entreaties. She rented a little inn situated
near a mill, on the border of a forest. This place
seemed pleasant to us, but here began hardships which
children only do not feel. Instead of the incessant
noise of our inn, full day and night, we now seldom
saw any one, save that occasionally an individual came
to the mill, and this ran only six months in the year, on
account of lack of water.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
44 THE JEW.
" During this dull season we scarcely sold a barrel
of brandy."
" Around the little cabin murmured the pine-trees,
and the narrow path which led to the mill was over-
grown with trailing vines and herbs. We lived in this
solitude on black bread and vegetables furnished by
our little garden. My mother grew more despairing
every day, and appealed to her relatives and to those
of my father, but in vain. We were in rags, but yet
we children were not unhappy. Presently I reached
the age for study. My mother grieved over her in-
ability to have me taught, and I remember that one
day she left us under the protection of a poor Jew of
the neighbourhood, and was gone for some weeks.
She returned a little more tranquil, kissed my forehead
and said, * Rejoice, my son, thou shalt soon have some
one to instruct thee ! *
" I realized so little the importance of this promise,
that I was much more pleased with the sweet cakes
which she brought me. You know what care the
Israelites take in the education of their children, for it
is in that way that we learn the laws and traditions of
our people ; it is, in a word, the shaping of our souls.
From the rabbi, at five years, every boy ought to learn
the Bible ; at ten, the Michna ; at thirteen, the Divine
Ordinances ; and at fifteen, the Gemara."
Seeing an expression of incredulity spread over the
lips of Ivas, Jacob paused. " I am aware," said he,
" that these books have been ridiculed to you by men
who are antagonistic to us. They know only the out-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATION OF JACOB. 45
lines of their teachings, and that very superficially or
by hearsay. It is, however, to these customs which
appear ridiculous to you that we owe the fact that we
have not disappeared from the face of the earth, nor
become absorbed by other nations. Obscure as the
text is, it merits our gratitude.
I remember, as if it was yesterday, the arrival of my
tutor. I was at the door of our cabin, when from a
miserable vehicle alighted a being so deformed and of
such a frightful appearance that he scarcely seemed
human. The body of this creature was so bent by
long study that he could not stand erect. He was
hump-backed, and from his curved chest arose an
enormous head, with a high forehead, from which
shone a pair of piercing black eyes. His glance
terrifies me even now in my dreams. It seemed as if
he could penetrate one's inmost thoughts. The outer
world was nothing to the owner of these eyes ; he lived
for books alone. Lame in one foot, he walked with
difficulty, leaning on a cane. It was more of a hop
than a walk.
" Such was my mentor. He came from the village,
was called Moch6, and was celebrated in the vicinity for
his great learning. His knowledge of sacred literature
was most extensive. He recited by heart long passages
of the Talmud and of the Kabala, without omitting a
word, without forgetting an accent. His life was de-
voted to the instruction of children and to self-culture.
The world did not interest him; he lived entirely
in the past. No doubt he would never have consented
Digitized by VjOOQIC
46 THE JEW,
to come to us, had he not been attracted by two boxes
full of rare books, the heritage of my father.
" Moch6 was a strict teacher, and insisted on the
observance of all religious rules and traditions. He
was a travelling encyclopedia which moved mechani-
cally. I doubt if there ever was a more severe
teacher. He fulfilled his functions without pity,
almost with cruelty.
" Deprived so suddenly of my liberty, I was forced
to embrace so many studies that I thought I should
lose my reason and become a fool. But, at any cost, I
must learn to be a Jew, or perish. Mechanically my
head was filled with words, with long tirades which I
had to repeat without stopping, each intonation of
which, required by the sense of the phrase, had to be'
learned with care. In spite of the brutality of this
method, it was a spur to my intelligence, which
gradually opened and put itself in motion.
" I commenced to study with some understanding.
It is difficult to determine what influence on the mind
of a child the study of past generations has. It is
certain that, on commencing the study of the Bible
and the history of my people, I believed myself
awakened from a dream after a long slumber. Once the
first difficulties vanished, I applied myself so ardently
to study that Moch6 was astonished. It was not his
custom to encourage children by pleasant words, but he
showed himself less severe toward me, without, at any
time, becoming affectionate. The only thing that annoyed
him was when I asked explanations of the passages
Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATION OF JACOB. 4^
which we studied. Then he was cross, and rapped my
fingers with a little rod which served him for pointing
out the letters. He wished to chase from ray brain
that which he considered premature pride. Moch^
often repeated to me, to pique me into emulation, that,
following the rabbins, the world rests on the breath of
children who learn the law of God, and not on the
intelligence of savants.
" Laugh, if you will, but these remembrances have a
great charm for me."
" That does not prevent me from laughing at your
club-footed Moch6,'* said Ivas.
" I do not dream of poetizing him. I even say that
his severity rendered him almost a savage. Although
he was always polite to my mother, he did not hesitate
to reproach her for not keeping up our customs more
rigidly. Then he would threaten to go away.
" For us Moch6 was a sort of bugbear. Yet when
he was roused he became almost grand. Then the
brightness of his soul became so apparent that you did
not think of his body. When he recited to us the suf-
ferings of Israel the tears rolled down his cheeks, he was
excited almost to frenzy. His voice was broken with
sobs, and he often sang the verses in an inspired voice.
In these moments his hair was pushed back from his
forehead, and his body shook with a nervous tremor,
produced by extreme susceptibility and appreciation
of the subject ; his memory was prodigious.
" Such is a brief sketch of my master, not flattering,
but very like him.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
48 THE JEW.
" It was he who made me read the first books of the
Bible, or rather who made me weep over them. He
was so conscientious that, having recognized in me a
certain ability, he advised my mother to send me to a
neighbouring town to finish my education.
" Thanks to him, at thirteen, following our custom, I
read publicly in the Synagogue passages from the Holy
Scriptures, and I was made one of the ten officiants of
the temple, the number necessary for the assembly to
be considered complete.
" It was exceedingly difficult for my poor mother to
remove. But she resolved to use every effort in my
behalf. Miserable as our existence was near the mill,
it had some advantages, for our rent was very low, and
we had fuel, thanks to the woods which surrounded
our cabin, and vegetables from our little garden. In
the town we should have had to pay for everything,
even water. How could we live ? How could she do
it? How transport her children thither? And after
getting there, on what resources could we subsist ?
" While my mother racked her brain to find an an-
swer to these questions, my half-brother, having already
amassed a little fortune by selling hides, came to pay
us a visit.
" This unlooked-for event was of great importance
to us. We had not seen him for a long time. He
was nearly thirty years old, and was married. His
wife's marriage portion and a little heritage from my
father formed a small capital, which he had known how
to increase. The first year of his married life he had
Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATION OF JACOB, 49
lived at the expense of his wife's parents, who were
willing to do an)rthing in their power. Afterward he
established himself separately, and little by little in-
creased his business. Fortune, which had frowned on
our father, smiled on the son. This gave him courage ;
economical,cold, prudent, he devoted all his intelligence
to the success of his projects. To be rich was his aim,
and he was convinced that he should succeed. He was
not yet well enough off to draw money from his busi-
ness to aid us, but he brought us news of relations of
my mother's, who, touched at last by her sad situation,
sent her a small sum of money to invest in some busi-
ness, the profits of which might educate my sisters and
me. My mother wept with joy. We children were
sad when we heard that we were to leave the mill and
the forest, but we soon became accustomed to the life
of a town.
" The elder brother was received with great affec-
tion. My mother asked him if he knew of any way
for her to invest the money. Joel, who wished to in-
crease his business, proposed that she invest the sum
with him and share his house. She agreed to the
proposition, and the next day, impatient for the
change, sent for a vehicle to remove from the cabin.
" Here commenced the second period of my life.
You have seen that my childhood was not cradled on
a bed of roses, that I have suffered, and that suffering
was the sun which hastened my development. As
the sun's rays make the flowers blossom, so hardship
forced my character to unfold. Those years have left
Digitized by VjOOQIC
50 THE JEW,
me memories, for the most part disagreeable. Mem-
ories of ruin, of labour, of fighting against hunger,
cold, and the contempt of men which paralyzed the
intelligence, and prevented one from rising above
bodily occupations. It is permitted to poets, or
rather to those who give themselves out as such, to
exalt in nature an impossible idealism and to rebel
against materialism. But, alas ! on regarding actual
life, how many needs we have, and how much is re-
quired for mere existence !
" Man in full strength can battle with nature and
poverty and come out conqueror. It is, nevertheless,
very difficult to rid one's self of the cares of each day,
the rock of Sisyphus which rolls back on us continually.
The Jews were very numerous in our town ; indeed,
they formed the larger part of the population. We
had a synagogue with which I was very much im-
pressed, for until then I had seen only the miserable
cabins which we used for places of worship. I could
for the first time form a just idea of our religious
ceremonies, and of the sabbath which draws us away
from the world, restores us to God, and brings us
nearer, in a measure, to our lost country. The baking
of bread, a part of which is given to the poor, the
setting of the table, the prayers in common, the
blessing of the wine, all the customs recall the patri-
archal epoch when God was with us, and took, in a
way, part in human existence.
" To-day you Christians and we Jews have driven
God from our presence, and we have forgotten him.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATfON OF JACOB. 51
Man made by the hands of the Creator b;;iieves him-
self a god, and anthropology is the contemporary
religion.
" In my brother's house we dwelt in unity as one
family, of which he was the head. The women pre-
pared in common the evening meal, and what was
needed for the morrow. When the hour for prayer
in the synagogue arrived, an old priest rapped on the
shutters three times with his mallet of wood, and we
set out toward the temple bearing our books under
our arms. The synagogue was an old building, dating
from the sixth century. It had cost the community
much money, for when they were building it the pro-
prietor of the place, who was a Catholic, the Prince
K , had little toleration. The Jews, who had
for worship only a little wooden house with a worm-
eaten roof, solicited permission to build a new temple ;
which was granted to them only because money was
needed by the proprietor, and it was not plenty just
then, there having been a war. The Jews profited by
his necessity to buy from the prince a plot of ground
and the right to erect thereon a brick synagogue.
The traditions of the neighbourhood speak of a colossal
sum paid for the privilege. During the construction
the workmen were ordered to undo their work, and
to pull down the carved balls which ornamented the
roof and made the synagogue more imposing than
any of the surrounding buildings. However, such as
it was, with its style much less Gothic than was planned,
it seemed to my childish eyes fully equal to Solomon's
Temple.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
52 THE JEW,
" I continued my studies with ardour. My teach-
ers found in me much aptitude, and I had an insatia-
ble desire to learn.
" Our little town, except on market-days, was not
one of the most frequented, although it ranked
among the most important. It was traversed by a
thoroughfare on which a continual procession passed
to and fro. Our co-religionists had founded a school
here. As the Catholics had an important church, and
the principal population was composed of the govern-
ment employes, it was necessary, in order to remain
unmolested, to pay without ceasing.
"I soon learned to conduct myself differently
toward each person, according to his position on the
social ladder.
"In general the Jew owes tribute to every one,
commencing with the door-keepers of the Lords, and
the wives of their door-keepers.
"One day returning from my class I found the
house in a commotion. I feared at first that there
had been an accident. The smiling faces reassured
me. They awaited the arrival of an important per-
son. My mother pulled me into the house, and
ordered me to array myself in my best. My brother
was already dressed. On the table there was brandy,
with sweets, honey cake, white bread, spiced bread,
and even a bottle of wine. I learned that he whom
we were to receive with so much ceremony was my
mother's cousin, a rich merchant from Warsaw. He
was coming to decide about my future.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATION OF JACOB, 53
" I imagined in my childish brain a man of impos-
ing figure with a long beard and a biblical costume
recalling patriarchal times. I was still in this dream
when a man appeared that I should have taken for a
Christian. He was dressed differently from us, wore
spectacles and a round hat. He had passed his first
youth, had heavy eyebrows, large features, black eyes,
and a smooth face. His complexion was rosy, his
figure corpulent, and he evidently considered himself
a man of importance.
" My mother told me to kiss the hand held out to
me so majestically. Afterward he examined me at-
tentively, caressed my chin, joked about the cap that
I wore, and finished by blowing a cloud of smoke in
my face from the cigar he was smoking. After the
preliminaries, he said in German, in a patronizing
voice, ' I think we can make a man out of this boy.*
We all listened to him as to an oracle, because he was
enormously rich, and my future depended on him.
" ' What think you ? ' added he addressing my
mother, ' I will take care of him, but not in your
way.' Then turning to my brother he continued :
'There are already enough Jews employed in little
ways, keeping taverns in the villages. The cause of
it is our ignorance.'
"'Nevertheless,' replied Joel, 'this boy is not ig-
norant ; he has been well taught, and he is now learn-
ing to read in the Gemara.' — ' Ah ! What does he
want of the Gemara? ^Do you think of making him
a rabbi? It is necessary for us in these days to
Digitized by VjOOQIC
54 THE JEW,
go everywhere, and not remain in a corner ! Why
these ear-rings in the ears? Why that iarmulka?
These are all remnants of the Middle Ages. The
time of our persecution is almost past. The world
opens to us. We must be ready to play an impor-
tant r61e. The Jew has good sense and judgment,
which he has preserved through hundreds of years of
suffering. Why can he not enjoy the same advan-
tages as Christians ? Why is not our education as
well developed as theirs ? With that we can remain
Israelites in the bottom of our hearts.'
" In spite of their respect for this wealthy kinsman
my mother and my brother could not agree with him,
for his remarks shocked their traditional ideas. With-
out noticing this impression he continued : —
" * I ought not to forget that I am a Jew, and to
keep my faith in the citadel of my soul, but outwardly
appear in the world on an equal footing with other
men, as all sensible Jews do, in strange countries, and
even in the kingdom of Poland. I have examined this
lad attentively. He is worthy of Israel. I will oc-
cupy myself with his education, but we must send him
to the Christian schools. He must commence to go
to them here. Afterward send him to me, and I will
take care of him.*
" * You are our benefactor ! ' cried my mother.
* But you know that many of our people have aban-
doned their belief, and are equally despised by the
Jews and the Christians. How, then, will he preserve
his paternal traditions? '
Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATION OF JACOB. 55
"*And why should he not preserve them? You
must banish your puerile fears, otherwise he will
vegetate like a good-for-nothing in rags and misery,
where you are, instead of being like me. I still re-
main a Jew. I go to the synagogue, and I observe
the law/ but no doubt less strictly than you/
** All this conversation is engraven in my memory,
and it fixed my destiny.
'^ Having learned that our kinsman had arrived from
Warsaw, Abraham Machnowiecki, the oracle of the
Jews in our town, came to pay us a visit. His
was a common type in our community; he was a
Polish Jew of the old school, a Polish Israelite,
though he could not give so complete an account of
his descent as Mickiewicz has so well set forth in
his Jankiel. Abraham was an important man in his
part of the country. He had continual relations with
all the proprietors. He knew their ^families, their
situation, their business, in a word, all that concerned
them. He was much interested in electoral meet-
ings. He was consulted on all subjects, and in the
most delicate affairs he was often chosen arbiter. He
was esteemed because he was worthy of esteem ; he
was received everywhere with courtesy, and offered a
place of honour, while his co-religionists were left
standing at the door. Without Abraham nothing of
importance was done. His bearing was full of dig-
nity ; he was very tall, and wore a white beard, which
fell almost to his girdle. His ordinary costume was a
black redingote, a czapka of sable, and in summer
Digitized by VjOOQIC
56 THE JEW,
a wide-brimmed felt hat. A silver-headed cane com-
pleted the dress, by which he was recognized from
a distance.
*' In his dwelling, which was one of the best of the
neighbourhood, there were always visitors on business.
He was the banker of half the proprietors, and he
lent or procured money.
"The science of Abraham went no further than that
of most Jews, but he had a quick intelligence and a
great knowledge of men. His predominant quality
was an imperturbable calmness. He was never an-
noyed, never gave any signs of impatience, and showed
in all things an undisturbed moderation. He was not
communicative, words came slowly from his lips, and
he was thoroughly trustworthy. Very much attached
to his faith and its customs, he was yet not a fanatic.
" This oracle so generally respected was absolutely
devoid of pride. He did not demand the considera-
tion which was naturally given him.
" The appearance of Abraham at our house was rare,
and you may infer that this extraordinary circumstance
was owing to an invitation from my mother, who felt
the need of his advice. Our elegant kinsman seemed
less sympathetic before the grave Abraham. His some-
what frivolous manner became more offensive compared
with the conduct of the other Israelite, who was, at the
same time, dignified and amiable. The meeting of
these men — one of whom, a free thinker, had lost almost
all traces of Judaism ; the other, a biblical character
— was very interesting and aroused my curiosity.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATION OF JACOB. ^j
" Our relative, in all the pride of a man full of his
own importance, was hardly polite to the old man.
My mother's cousin did not abandon his cigar, and
began to laugh on regarding the Jew's long curly hair,
iamulka, the old-fashioned costume, and gigantic cane.
" It did not take Abraham long to recognize in our
kinsman a type of modem Jew that he had often met
before.
" ' It is very kind of you,' said he, ' to take an interest
in this unfortunate family. Would to God every one
would do the same ! The book Nedarin says : " Hon-
our the sons of the poor who are the brightness of our
religion." '
"'I wish to do so truly,' replied the Varsovien care-
lessly. * I wish to make of this young relative a sound
and healthy branch of our community. That is why
I have proposed to send him to school with the other
children.'
" * You will cast him in the fire to see if he is gold ?
If he be gold, he will remain gold ; if he be of base
metal, he will melt.'
'* ' They tell me he has good faculties. It is necessary
to develop them.'
" ' Provided that he does not lose his faith. That is
why I think that it will not do to remove him from
our schools until he is well grounded in his religion.
When the potter wishes to make an impression on a
vase of clay,, he sees that the vase goes to the studio
soft and plastic'
** ' How old is he ? ' asked our cousin.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
58 THE JEW.
"* Thirteen years.'
" ' You have probably/ continued he, ' a good
common school here ; he must go to it.*
"*Why not?' replied Abraham; 'but the poor
child will suffer much.'
" * Who, then, has not had trials ? You see me. I
am worth to-day two millions, perhaps more, and I
commenced by selling blacking and matches in the
streets.'
" The old Abraham murmured in a low voice a text
from the Book of Judges which said : ' One must en-
dure the sun's bursting rays because it is indispensable
to the world.'
" Then he put his hand on my head and blessed
me, praying in a low voice, reassured my mother, and
the conversation became general. Child as I was, I
remember this scene very well. It was shared by
many listeners, for the Jews had come from all sides
to see this great personage who honoured us with a
visit. Our cousin entered into the development of
his ideas, which were that the time had come for the
Jews to go out and mingle with the world, and to leave
the narrow circle where they had remained so long
from an exaggerated fear of losing their faith and
nationality.
" * We have suffered long enough,' said he. * We
ought to enjoy ourselves to-day, and occupy the place
which belongs to one of the most ancient peoples of
the earth. We possess rapidity of conception, facility
to acquire all the sciences and arts ; we have money,
. Digitized by VjOOQIC
EDUCATION OF JACOB, 59
which levels everything, and at the same time we are
united, and this cohesion can accomplish great things.
Why then stagnate scattered in these little country
towns? Why not strike out? See the ""ews of other
lands. You find them in the ministry, th j parliament,
and in high positions. They march to ;.he conquest
of civil and political rights, wherever these rights are
still refused them.*
" Abraham listened without contradiction, and ap-
peared sad and thoughtful ; as to our other co-relig-
ionists they heartily agreed with our kinsman. He
finished by citing as example a celebrated Jew.
" This was an epoch which was not soon forgotten
in our little town. It provoked a movement which
swayed the whole community, with the exception of a
few old conservatives. I remained at home the rest
of that year, th6n I entered the common school. It
was the first time that a Jew had seated himself on a
bench beside Christian children. I knew beforehand
what awaited me, but that which I endured surpassed
my worst fears.
" The larger part of the scholars were the children
of petty nobles or of the bureaucracy, students well
grown. Their instincts were more than cruel. It
was a veritable torment, — torment unceasing. I grew
accustomed to continual attacks, and passed in silence
the insults which were showered on me. Jokes about
pork were met with, even in the mouths of the masters ;
what could I do but keep silence ? My humility and
silence were a sort of defence, The first days were
Digitized by VjOOQIC
6o THE JEW,
intolerable ; but, little by little, I became accustomed
to my comrades, and they to me. After a while they
left me in peace on my solitary bench. The new
method of teaching was strange to me, but awakened in
my mind a desire to excel. The knowledge that I
had accumulated increased. I resolved to continue
my studies, and to wait until the strength of science
and of the truth enlightened my mind."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AQUA SOLA. 6l
CHAPTER IV.
AQQA SOLA.
As he finished his sentence, Jacob perceived that it
was growing late. He remembered the rendezvous
at Aqua Sola.
" I feel," said he, " that you are bored. Excuse
me, kind listener. It is the only mode of recital that
I understand. I cannot be brief, but must digress.
To render my story intelligible, it is necessary to in-
fuse life and colour."
" No excuse is necessary," replied Ivas. " I am in
no hurry to know the end ; let us go slowly."
" Yes, we will finish it later on ; but now it is time
to go to Aqua Sola."
The evening had brought with it a little freshness.
Many had already left old Genoa for the new part
of the city. The streets called Nuova, Nuovissima,
Balbi, and Aqua Sola were full of people. The men
were dressed more or less in costume, and the women
were enveloped in floating white veils which only
partly concealed their graceful figures.
The companions walked through the dark, narrow
streets until they arrived at the hill, which is the only
point of verdure in that city of marble.
" I am very curious," said Ivas, " to know if we
Digitized by VjOOQIC
62 THE JEW,
shall find many of our late companions at the rendez -
vous."
" Well, we shall see presently," said Jacob. " A day
is long, and human nature changeable." They soon
came to the steps which led to the promenade, in
whose centre murmured a fountain, near which a fine
band sent forth its inspiring strains. The crowd was
compact : a Genoese crowd composed of soldiers,
workmen, and priests, of sunburnt women, and tour-
ists, among whom were many English. Aqua Sola is
not much frequented by the aristocracy, who shut
themselves up in their palaces or villas, nor by the
bourgeoisie, who have their gardens at Nervi. One,
therefore, meets at Aqua Sola two classes only, —
the tourists or the regular habitues.
Jacob and Ivas strolled slowly along the principal
walk, talking of the country and of the future of hu-
manity. They had not yet noticed the arrival of the
phlegmatic German, who had been distinguished for
his silence at the Albergo della Grotto ; but he soon
approached them, and smilingly said : " I am very
happy to meet you again, messieurs, and to be able
to inquire for our invalid of yesterday. At the same
time, I will excuse myself for not remaining long in
your society. I have a chance to hire a veturino at
half-price to Pisa. I shall have for a companion the
privy councillor, Zuckerbeer. We leave to-day."
" What a pity ! " cried Jacob in German, not wish-
ing to inflict the French language on his interlocu-
tor, and desiring also to escape torture himself from
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AQUA SOLA. 63
the execrable pronunciation of the compatriot of
Goethe.
" What a pity ! We should have had such a pleas-
ant time together this evening."
On hearing his native language, the German
beamed on him and smiled ; but, in spite of the temp-
tation to remain, he sacrificed pleasure to duty.
Order and economy were his two predominant vir-
tues, and the society of the privy. councillor would be
a consolation.
" The Councillor von Zuckerbeer," said he, " counts
on me. I have given him my word ; I am, therefore,
absolutely obliged to go."
Jacob no longer urged him. He saluted, and said
farewell, in the valley of Jehoshaphat. The German
said adieu to his acquaintance of the day before with-
out much regret. At the bottom of his heart he
feared that the Pole was a dangerous revolutionist, a
republican conspirator, an admirer of Garibaldi and
Mazzini. If so, he was wise to renounce in time such
a compromising acquaintance.
He had hardly disappeared when the Tsigane pre-
sented himself; smiling as ever, he fanned himself
with his handkerchief; his waistcoat was unbuttoned,
but the heated temperature seemed, nevertheless, very
agreeable to him. He was in good spirits, and his
expression was as joyful as was possible to one with
such features.
" Well," cried he, "how do you like Genoa? For
my part I find too much noise, too many asses bear-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
64 THE JEW,
ing casks, and too few men by comparison, and the
air is full of bad smells. It has the colour of the
Orient, but the Orient is lacking. I will concede to
you that Genoa possesses the perfumes of Constanti-
nople. Oh ! my poor olfactory nerves ! What tor-
ture ! Were we presented to each other yesterday?
I have a bad memory, but you already know that I
am a Tsigane, and, perhaps, my race will inspire you
with aversion."
" You are wrong there," said Jacob, " for I have no
aversion to any race."
" My name is Stamlo Gako," said the Tsigane.
" My father was at the head of his tribe. But I have
abandoned the collective wandering life for solitary
vagabondage. I am thus, as you see, alone in the
world. I would have been still using the same old
pans and kettles had it not been for my beautiful bass
voice, which gained me a place at the theatre. I
saved some money, and invested it for the first time in
the lottery. I won a large sum of money. Some of
this I scattered in extravagance, but I kept enough to
place me above want for the rest of my life. It is
agreeable to me to live in idleness. I go or I stay, as
I choose, but my forehead is marked indelibly. No
one s)rmpathizes with me, and I am indifferent to the
world. A stupid life, if you will; but I would not
change it for any other, for I am attached to it. 1
have no duties ; that is to say, I am freed from every-
thing, — from all belief, all hope, and all occupation.
I weary myself comfortably, and my idleness is well
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AQUA SOLA, 65
ordered. In winter I go north ; one suffers less there
fix>m the colds, on account of the houses being well
wanned. I live in hotels, I eat well, I make passing ac-
quaintances, I frequent the theatres, and in summer I
go to Italy and sometimes return to my people in Hun-
gary. There are yet there some individuals of my race
and of my blood, but fortunately I have not a single
near relative to persecute me. Hungary is for me a
sort of home. I have learned to read, and a book
with well-turned phrases serves me admirably to kill
time, but in general I consider literature as useless.
The best books contain more folly than reasonable
thoughts. All human wisdom can be written on the
palm of the hand."
" I am without country, like you,** said Jacob, who
had perceived that the Tsigane had drunk a little too
much, " but I look on life differently. I have an aim,
for I have brothers among men. You, who are better-
informed than other Tsiganes, you can do much for your
people if you will. It would be a grand thing for you
to become a reformer and benefactor to your people.**
"What would you do with the Tsiganes?** replied
Gako showing his white teeth. " We are only a hand-
ful of living beings that God or the devil has thrown
on the earth. What would you do with a cursed race
without ambition or place? At least, do not ask me
to conduct them to the Ganges, whence it is said they
originaUy came. ' You shall perish ! * such is the
sentence against us. And we are perishing slowly.
We shall disappear in time. Look at our women !
Digitized by VjOOQIC
dlS THE JEW,
At Moscow, singers an^ dancers, fortune-tellers and
jades, always among the ragamuffins and beggars. In
what language shall I speak to them of the future?
Do the brutes understand anything? Like fruit that
falls from the tree, we are a decayed people without
root."
"Then change your nationality."
" Petrify myself ! never ! We will be Tsiganes as
long as it pleases God. In the night of the ages,"
added Gako in a mysterious voice, " there was a terri-
ble crime which we expiate, some fratricide of which
we cannot wash our hands. I possess all that can make
man happy on this earth, yet I shall never be happy.
I have counted the number of days that I have to live.
I will submit to my destiny."
Just then the two Italians arrived — Alberto Primate
and Luca Barbaro.
They had a contented and satisfied look. They
breathed their native air voluptuously, trod the soil of
Italy, and viewed with joy the tri-colored flag floating
in the breeze.
Luca Barbaro carried a sketch-book in his hand,
Primate, a roll of music.
" Greeting, brothers," said the first. " How is your
health? This delicious temperature ought to com-
pletely cure you. What do you think of good old
Genoa?"
" She reminds us somewhat of the Middle Ages,"
replied Jacob.
" Does she not speak to you of the future?" asked
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AQUA SOLA. 67
one of the Italians. " Do you not then feel that deli-
cious breath of springtime which promises to all na-
tions a garland of flowers ? "
"Utopist ! " interrupted the Israelite sadly. "The
springtime comes not at the same time for all lands.
Men are brothers in words, but not in deeds. Each
one is ready to become a fratricide in self-defence.
Little by little humanity will perhaps come out of the
shadows of servitude, of charlatanism and egotism,
which stifle all generous tendencies in order to satisfy
the thirst for gold and grandeur.'*
" Do not blaspheme ! " cried Luca. " I beUeve in
humanity. It is possible that there is a handful of vile
reactionists and a band of miserable charlatans, but in
general men are the sons of God. By music, painting,
literature, and devotion, souls will open, all hearts will
be purified, intelligence will develop, virtue will spread
abroad, and soon a luminous springtime will brighten
the world."
"Amen ! " cried Primate ; "amen ! But I have a
question to ask you. We have come here to rest, have
we not?"
" Yes ! Yes ! Certainly ! "
" Very well ; for once let us leave the subjects of
philosophy and politics. Leave all that to the re-
actionists. Let us amuse ourselves with art and with
life."
Luca kissed his compatriot's forehead. " Poverino !
he is wearied by me, for I have given him no rest.
He bears in his heart three things only : woman, love,
and music."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
68 THE JEW,
Just then the group was augmented by the Dane.
" Plague take it ! " said he ; " if I had known that
la belle dame would not be here, I would not have
tired myself out to join you. I had a great desire to
go to the theatre ; primitive and barbarous as it is,
I might have passed an agreeable evening there. I
have been drawn to Aqua Sola by the remembrance
of two lovely eyes, a little faded, perhaps, but full of
expression. If she had been coming she would be
here by this time. I have been deceived."
" You have yet time to go to the theatre," said the
Tsigane indifferently, as he lit his cigar.
" Very true ! But if, by chance, she should come.
She, the unknown. She? Who is she? "
" A retired artiste singing only occasionally, as she
has told us herself," replied the Tsigane ; " a priestess
of Thalia. I doubt if she is a Vestal. Hum ! "
"Widow," added Luca.
" A widow ! The title is appropriate. But she is
escorted by two admirers," said the Dane : a Russian
and a Pole. Who are they? Are they rich or poor ?
How long has she known them? Chi lo sa?'^
" Chi losa?** repeated Primate.
And Barbaro added : " We know that the Russian
is a refugee. If, in leaving his country, he has brought
his purse with him he is a dangerous rival, for the
Russians are said to be fabulously rich. It is said
that each noble receives from the Czar his share of
the gold mines of the Ural Mountains. But if in
saving his head he has not saved his purse, and if he
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AQUA SOLA. 69
has no private resources, he becomes much less
vubierable. As for the young Galician, he has his
youth, which is a capital. But you, messieurs, as
Poles, can better judge of the worth of your com-
patriot."
" The Galician nobles," said Ivas, " ordinarily bear
the title, more or less authentic, of Count. Many of
them have been rich, but since 1848 they frequently
give themselves an appearance of riches. I do not
believe that the young man is a dangerous rival."
" Behold her ! Behold her ! " cried the Dane sud-
denly, perceiving the brunette at the end of the street,
looking more attractive to-day than yesterday. " What
do I see ? She is alone with the Russian ! A bad
sign ! The Galician was evidently in the way. The
plot thickens ! Yesterday when there were two gal-
lants there was room for a third ; but when there is
only one it is difficult for another to get a foothold."
" He is very wise in the art of loving," remarked
the Tsigane.
The charming Lucie Coloni approached. She was,
in reality, in the full height of her beauty, and she had
had time to augment her many attractions by the
toilet. Her eyes were humid without having wept,
and a sweet smile played on her lips. The Russian
accompanied her, appearing melancholy in contrast
with her gayety. She went up to Ivas, and held out a
little hand, elegantly gloved, asking with much solici-
tude, " Fa ^^«^ / "
" Thanks, madame. No trace of yesterday's illness.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
7o THE JEW.
The scar which remains on my temple will be for me
an indelible souvenir of your goodness."
" Flatterer ! '* replied she, shrugging her shoul-
ders.
The Russian affected an exaggerated politeness to
show his ease of manner.
"We are not complete," said he.
"One is lacking," repHed Jacob. "We sh see
him no more. It is the German. He has found a
cheap way of going to Pisa with a privy councillor,
and he has profited by it. One does not travel every
day with dignitaries, lately granted a von who knows
for what secret service? This voriy fresh and new,
comes out of the bandbox with the perfume of a half-
blown rose. But you also, madame, you have lost
one of your companions."
"Yes, the count. He was obliged to leave this
afternoon for Spezia."
" Yesterday he did not speak of this project," said
the Dane.
The Russian seemed to be looking at the sea, a
little of which was visible from where they stood.
The lady bit her lips to avoid laughing, fanned herself
negligently, and said : —
" I really do not know what has taken him. He
was perhaps frightened by his compatriots. It is for
you, messieurs, to clear this mystery."
" What country is this Galicia? The youth assured
me that he was neither Polish nor Austrian, but a
Galician."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AQUA SOLA. 71
Ivas and Jacob exchanged a smile, without replying.
"We will not wear mourning for him ! " cried Ivas.
" I regret him, however," replied Lucie. " He would
have become a very agreeable man, but as yet he re-
sembles those Italian nuts shut up in a bitter shell."
They all laughed.
" Aqua Sola ! How sweet the words sound ! " con-
tinued she, walking at the head of the procession.
" But how little it is, shabby, and even tiresome. What
trees, what drops of water, a disagreeable crowd,
plenty of dust, and only in the distance a glimpse of
the sea ! Povera Genova ! "
"And yet," observed the Muscovite, "what mar-
vels were promised us."
The cosmopolite Dane profited by an opportunity
to place himself beside the lady. This was too signifi-
cant, and she gave him a haughty look which he did
not perceive. This look seemed to say : " No use.
No hope for you ! "
Lucie occupied herself more with Ivas than the rest
of the company. In a sweet voice she asked : " You
goto Poland?"
" Yes, madame," replied he smiling.
" I am very superstitious," said she ; " and as I also
go to Poland, I consider it a good omen to have
made the acquaintance of a Pole on my way."
" Poland, madame, is to-day an abstraction. There
is no Poland, and yet there are several : Russian Po-
land, the Kingdom of Poland raised up by the Congress
of Vienna, Prussian Poland, and Austrian Poland."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
72 THE JEW.
" I really do not know to which Poland I am going.
Tell me, where is Warsaw?"
"It is, in a way, my native city. One of the
ancient capitals of Poland, and the last ; to-day the
capital of that ideal Poland which is yet to be es-
tablished."
" I lose myself in all this geography ! Do you
also go to Warsaw?"
"Yes, madame. But I do not know wnether I
shall arrive there, and whether, on arriving, I shall not
be sent much farther toward the Asiatic steppes."
" You are very unfortunate, you Poles."
" Our misfortunes pass all conception. But do not
let us speak of it. How is it, madame, that you go to
Warsaw?"
"From curiosity only," replied she, lowering her
eyes. " It is possible also that I may sing in some
theatre."
" Oh ! You are sure to be admirably received.
Colonel Nauke is very fond of Italian music, and
as soon as he knows " —
"You will introduce me to him? "
" I, madame, it is impossible ! I shall be obliged
to conceal myself. To be seen would be for me
death or exile."
" If I could at least meet you there ! "
Ivas sadly shook his head. The Dane, very at-
tentive to the conversation, concluded that she in-
tended to leave the Russian, who, of course, as he was
a refugee, could not return to the land of the Czars.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AQ(/A SOLA. 73
This idea did honour to his acquaintance with po-
litical geography, of which nearly all European jour-
nalists are absolutely ignorant.
" And you go alone ? " asked he.
" No, not alone. But, monsieur, you annoy me
with your questions. Really I do not know yet what
I shall do, and I do not like to speak of the future.
That will be accomplished in one way or another.
Chi lo sa f "
" I am ready to follow you to the end of the
world ! *' cried her cosmopolite adorer enthusiastically.
"You are jesting, monsieur, and I do not like jests
of this kind. In any case, I do not count on you as a
companion."
"What a pity that she is so savage ! ** said her ad-
mirer to himself.
The Russian listened passively, without mingling
in the conversation.
" I am very curious to visit Poland and Russia,"
said Lucie Coloni. They say that the Poles and
Russians understand and love music, that they are en-
thusiastic dilettanti."
" There have been such instances in Poland," said
Jacob. " In regard to Russia I know nothing. But
monsieur can tell us that in his country they love art
less than the artistes. In Poland there is now room
only for a single sentiment. The future has but one
aim. Do the witches of Shakespeare watch at the dark
cross-roads, or will the angels lend their aid? God
alone knows. From Warta to the frozen sea the earth
Digitized by VjOOQIC
74 THE JEW,
is in travail, hearts beat with violence, the battle is
preparing, there will be something frightful which will
shake the very foundations of the earth. What song,
sweet though it be, can be heard by ears which await
a signal which will sound like a thunderclap?"
" Perhaps," said Lucie, " I shall have the happiness
of singing your song of triumph."
" Or a death hymn," added Jacob sadly.
"Or rather a song intermezzo which makes one
forget the tragedy of life," replied la Coloni. " I
grant to you that this Europe, cold, dull, dead, worn
out, blase, has for me the effect of a withered bouquet
picked up out of the dust. It has no longer a spark
of vitality."
"Behold a sally that astonishes me, coming from
you," cried the Dane. " Europe when she was young
was frolicsome ; maturity has arrived, but has not
taken away all her charms. To-day children are born
reasonable. The young man of nineteen has a
drunkard's pride to drain the enormous cup to the
bottom. More barriers on life's grand highway !
More toll- money ! Go where you will, paths open
before you. More proscriptions, more laws, more
prejudices, binding us. Fresh surprises ! Every-
thing is possible."
"And nothing is worth much; nothing is good,"
added Lucie.
" Madame," cried the Italian musician, " before
continuing your invective, deign to hear me,"
" Very willingly, monsieur,"
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AQUA SOLA. 75
" Will you then be seated ? My companion and I
are children of two parts of Italy which have not yet
united with their common mother. We seek a little
relaxation after a long servitude. Very well. We
cannot take a step without being persecuted by
politics, political economy, or philosophy. Have pity
on us, and speak of other things."
"Spoiled child of Italy," said the Dane, "your
prayer cannot be granted. Our age takes her nour-
ishment where it is found. It is useless to try to
hinder me."
" Cannot we discuss music? "
" Music ! She has followed the general route, and
the music of the future, with her prophet, Wagner, is
political music."
" Granted. And the other arts? "
"They cannot be separated from philosophy and
history."
" Then let us speak of frivolities, of the times, of
the weather, of the city we are visiting ; remember I
am young, and an artist."
" There are no more young hearts," said Jacob.
" What remains then for those who thirst for life? "
" Nothing," replied the Dane quickly, in a serious
tone ; " only to drink."
"And afterward?"
" Afterward ? That depends on the temperament ;
to sleep or" —
During this conversation, the evening breeze brought
from a neighbouring house the sound of sweet music,
Digitized by VjOOQIC
y6 THE JEW,
now gay, now sad. They all listened. It was not
Italian music. A young and sympathetic voice sang,
accompanied by the piano. The song was of pro-
found sadness, rendered with good expression and
method.
The Italian instantly recognized an inspiration of
Mendelssohn. He took off his hat, and listened with
an expression of pleasure. He took a few steps, and,
with a sign, demanded silence.
In contrast to the light songs of Italy, full of
harmony, this song was full of grave majesty. For
the Italian who had not heard much German music it
was a revelation.
The mysterious chords, coming from an unknown
window, from an invisible mouth, had a fascinating
charm and a melodious sadness, which made a lively
impression. The woman's voice came from a house
near the Academy of Medicine, and was carried to our
hearers by the indiscreet breeze.
"It is fine," said the Dane, "but it is somewhat
like the music of the future."
" Be silent, then, monsieur," said Lucie severely.
" It is wonderful."
At that moment the song gradually grew fainter, and
finally died away. The accompaniment ceased also
with a few majestic chords.
They all drew near the house whence came the
melody, and in the general preoccupation no one ob-
served that Jacob grew pale, and seemed to recognize
the voice. He pressed his hand against his side as if
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AQi/A SOLA. 77
in pain. His emotion was almost terrifying, and his
features had changed so as to be hardly recognizable.
Ivas perceived his friend's emotion.
" What is the matter? " asked he anxiously. " Has
the music impressed you thus ? "
The Jew, distrait and silent, thanked him for his
solicitude, and motioned for him to be silent.
" Listen ; perhaps she will sing again," said Lucie.
They were silent, but in vain.
After long waiting the door opened, and there came
out of the house a young and elegant woman ac-
companied by a distinguished-looking man, whose
features were of the Oriental type.
They attracted at once the attention of the prome-
naders. The woman was about twenty years old ; her
features were delicate. She was a pale brunette,
with black eyes full of languor, and she bore on her
face an expression so noble and so sad that one
thought she was an angel of death. Her calmness
apparently covered some bitter chagrin and a profound
melancholy. Her dress was sombre and bore out
the grave character of her features, maintaining with-
out heightening her beauty.
Her companion, in spite of his elegant appearance
and gentlemanlike bearing, had, on close inspection,
something pretentious about him. He played with
too much affectation the role of fine gentleman to be
real. In every lime of his face could be seen pride
and vanity, without human sentiment. His mobile
eyes, his sensual lips, his strong physique, betokened
exuberant passions.
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78 THE JEW.'
Everything about him disclosed instincts, but not
heart. In spite of his politeness, this man, cold,
distingue at first, inspired a certain terror. One easily
divined that in his heart there was no pity, and that
he had made of his egotism a systematic rule of con-
duct from which nothing could make him deviate.
A beggar meeting him alone would never dare to
ask alms. He would hazard it only before witnesses.
In spite of his courteous manner toward the lady,
who was evidently his wife, there appeared to be a
sort of weariness and constraint between them. He
seemed to drag her along with him like a victim.
Without looking around her, she walked (if I may say
so) automatically, while her husband did not even try
to conceal his indifference.*
Our group knew immediately that this was the mys-
terious singer. Jacob, absorbed in himself, did not
perceive that he was in their path ; his haggard eyes
were fixed on the woman, who had not yet noticed
him. The husband did not see Jacob either, until
he was near him. Then he frowned and bit his lips ;
but this expression was followed by a forced smile
and a polite bow. The woman mechanically raised
her head, recoiled, and gave a cry of surprise. Her
voice recalled Jacob to himself. He took off his hat
and bowed, standing aside to let them pass.
"What an astonishing meeting ! " said the stranger,
giving his hand without cordiality. .
The woman had become calm, and added, with a
sad smile, in a trembling voice ; " It is true ; the
meeting is unexpected ! "
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AQl/A SOLA, jg
"Very unexpected, and very happy for me," re-
plied Jacob with emotion. "After a long absence,
I am about to return to Poland. I desired to visit a
part of Italy which has been so extolled. Chance
has kept me in Genoa with other travellers. Your
divine voice fixed us imder your windows, for there
is not another like it in the world."
The husband listened with indifference to this com-
pliment. The wife blushed, and did not reply.
" But what are you doing at Genoa? " said Jacob.
"We go here and there," replied the husband.
"Dr. Lebrun has prescribed a warm climate for
Mathilde, for she has an obstinate little cough. That
is why we are here in this bracing atmosphere,"
" And how do you like Italy?"
" She impresses me," ^id the woman, " as a mirage
of that Orient which I have never seen, and for which
I long and dream as for one's native land. Italy is
very beautiful ! "
During this conversation the Jew noticed that he
was the object of his companions' curiosity. He
hesitated to make his adieux, and separate himself
from them. The husband, always polite, relieved
him from this embarrassment.
"Will you not come with us?" asked he, politely.
" Willingly, but permit me to take leave of my com-
panions."
He called Ivas and charged him to make his excuses
to the company, at the same time begging him to wait
for him ; then went away with his acquaintances.
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So THE JEW.
" Ah ! '* cried the Italian on learning from Ivas
that he had been requested to wait for his friend, " I
also am willing to wait a long time to find out who
this lady is. I am anxious to hear this marvellous
singer again. Where are you staying ? " said she to the
Pole.
"At the Hotel Feder."
"That is fortunate. You are very near me. I am
at the Hotel de France. Wait for your companion, and
bring him to me, willingly or by force, to drink tea.
I will not fix the hour, for so active is my curiosity
about this woman that I cannot sleep until I have seen
you."
She turned to the rest of the company. "Mes-
sieurs," said she, " will you also accept my invitation ? "
They all bowed their acceptance, and Lucie took
the Russian's arm, with whom she departed, chatting
vivaciously.
Ivas remained with the Italians. The Dane and the
Tsigane went away together.
" I perceive," said Lucie to her cavalier, " that this
unexpected meeting betokens a mysterious romance.
Did you see how he looked at her ? Did you hear the
cry she gave? The husband and the lover, that is
certain. How I wish I knew their history ! Will he
consent to tell us ? Provided he comes, I know well
how to lead him on."
" Why should their story interest us? "
" Because it will be more curious than the books
you read. I love reality better than fiction."
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A SIMPLE HISTORY OF LOVE. 8l
CHAPTER V.
A SIMPLE HISTORY OF LOVE.
IvAS, abandoned, seated himself alone on a bench,
his head bowed. The sight of the men and women
aromid him who had leisure to occupy themselves with
sentiments of love, and their conversation, made a sad
impression.
Hunger, misery, political passions, consumed him.
He thought of his country and its future. He sought
a remedy for his unhappiness and the sorrows of his
countrymen. What mattered to him the sweet words
of women, their tender glances, their whispered prom-
ises ; women for him did not exist before the vision of
his misery and his despair. An inexpressible sadness
tortured him. Was he not going to risk his life in
order to breathe his native air ?
His melancholy thoughts were rocked by the sea
breeze when some one clapped him on the shoulder.
It was Jacob.
" Let us return," said he with vivacity.
" I am at your service, but first let me tell you that
we are invited to take tea with the Italian lady at her
hotel."
" No ! I will not go ! I need solitude. Have you
accepted?*'
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82 THE JEW.
" Certainly, for I do not enjoy being alone with my
thoughts. And I believe, dear friend of forty-eight
hours, that it will do you good to go also. We have
not known each other long, but permit me to suggest
that there are things that one had better bury in the
bottom of the heart. Come, Coloni is very curious.
If we do not go she is capable of coming after us.
That would be worse still."
" It is true that we are recommended to cure old
wounds by distraction. Come, then, we will forget
ourselves in a foolish and gay society."
"You speak of old wounds. Then this lady" —
" Do not speak of her. Are there not other per-
sons, other faces and names, which awaken old mem-
ories? You had better speak of man rather than of
woman. This one is an unfortunate who slowly
works out her destiny."
" Let us go, then ! "
" Let us go 1 I will be gay in spite of" —
"Of what?"
" In spite of mournful remembrances."
They turned and walked rapidly along the dark
streets which conducted them to the shore. Here
were built two hotels. In the morning this part of
the city was very busy on account of the bourse, but
all was silent and deserted at this hour of the evening.
They entered the Hotel de France.
On the first floor Lucie reigned in a little salon^
fresh and elegant. Here they found all the rest of
the company. Seated in the balcony, the Russian
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A SIMPLE HISTORY OF LOVE, 83
smoked in silence. It was easy to be seen that this
impromptu tea was not pleasing to him, for he shut
himself up in complete reserve without joining in the
conversation.
The Tsigane, installed comfortably on the sofa,
looked around him with supreme indifference. The
Dane paid special attention to his hostess, and the
Italians were in gay spirits. When the door opened
and Jacob appeared, Madame Coloni went hastily to
meet him.
^*Grazie tante ! Grazie tante ! " cried she. "You
are so kind to have come. It is a sacrifice for which
I thank you."
" How can it be called a sacrifice to pass the even-
ing in your charming society, and to have the pleasure
of looking at you," said Jacob.
"Unworthy flatterer!" replied she, striking him
softly on his hand. "No more compliments. You
mock me ! Seat yourself, sir, and tell me quickly
who is our singer. Who is this beautiful lady with
accents so sad that on hearing her we have tears m
our eyes ? Why was she so agitated on seeing you ?
Why did you grow so pale? "
Jacob had great control over himself. He laughed
so naturally that he deceived his fair questioner, who
began to lose the hope of hearing a romantic history.
" You have truly a vivid imagination ! " said he.
"You have already composed a sad song. You
have invested me with the sufferings of the hero of
your romance ; but I am no hero, I assure you. The
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84 THE JEW.
lady is a countrywoman of mine and a co-religionist.
She and her husband are Jews and live in Warsaw.
Our acquaintance is then very natural. Behold the
truth in simple prose."
The Italian tapped her foot impatiently. "This
truth seems a little false/' said she. " I observed you
closely when you first met her.'*
Jacob made an effort to smile.
"The real truth is that I might well have been
grieved and astonished, for I know the sad history of
this woman."
"Ah ! there is, then, as I thought, a sad story? "
"Yes, but I did not figure in it."
Lucie looked at him fixedly, but he returned her
glance without emotion.
" Oh ! pray, monsieur," demanded she in a caress-
ing voice, " relate to me this story. I am dying to
hear it."
" I warn you, madame, that it is not remarkable,
and as it is the story of a Jewess it will be less inter-
esting to you than to me. I am afraid I shall weary
you. I am a bad story-teller, long and tiresome."
"You take a long time to tell a story ! So much
the better, we have plenty of time to listen. But do
not torment me. Begin."
" Permit me, madame, to collect my thoughts for a
moment."
. " If," said the Dane, " the story is as long as mon-
sieur promises us, and there is in the story a senti-
mental woman encumbered with a beast of a husband
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A SIMPLE HISTORY OF LOVE, 85
and a noble lover, I will excuse myself from listening.
I can guess it all in advance."
" I also," said the Tsigane. " It is always the same
thing."
"^Vhere can true love be found to-day? " cried the
Dane.
Lucie protested against this atrocious blasphemy,
but the Tsigane replied imperturbably : —
" You will grant that the times of chivalrous love
have vanished. Only the turtle-doves are innocent
enough to sigh still. Formerly, as we are told, human-
ity passed through a long epoch of exalted love. To-
day men have almost abandoned these ways. A
hundred years from now they will laugh at such love-
stories and wonder how it could have been. I speak
of such loves as those of Leander and Hero, not that
of Calypso for young and handsome warriors, nor of
the love of Nero for Poppea. That kind of love lasts
because it is natural. But love which is torture, which
suffers for some ideal beauty, it is an old, stereotyped
plate, out of fashion. Show me to-day some one who
loves in this way or who would be disposed to make
serious sacrifices for love. The young girls marry be-
cause the husband suits the father and mother. The
men marry for settlements, or for charms more or less
fascinating. They do not marry at all for love, —
that fentasy has gone out of fashion."
" Why," said Lucie indignantly, " you cannot main-
tain such ridiculous assertions."
" I can prove them by facts. Look around you.
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86 THE JEW.
Everywhere caprice, passion, love of excitement, etc.,
but true love nowhere."
Lucie sighed.
" Is this progress or decadence? '* asked she.
" I know not. It is sad for you beautiful women
to descend from the pedestal on which you were ele-
vated, but how can you refuse the evidence of things ? "
"Is it so evident?"
" Alas ! I do not wish to impose my opinion on
you, but reflect seriously. Where can you find as
formerly two souls created for each other? "
"What you say," interrupted Jacob, "is true up to
a certain point. But I hope the world has only tem-
porarily renounced this poetry. If all ideality should
disappear it would be a sad thing. I will add a
commentary to your remarks. Monsieur Gako. Men
do not love themselves as much as they used. That
is why existence is in some sort lessened, and the
number of suicides from weariness of life is daily
augmented."
Madame Coloni clapped her hands and reminded
Jacob of his promise to relate a history.
The Tsigane yawned. The Russian lighted a fresh
cigarette, the Dane went out, and when it was silent
the Jew commenced in a low voice ; —
" In all the legislation of the world the most badly
understood and the most badly judged is perhaps
that of Moses. It ]pelongs to me to defend it in my
character of Jew. Our law is the fundamental base
of yours. Do not forget that Jesus said that he came
not to destroy the law, but to complete it.
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A SIMPLE HISTORY OF LOVE.
87
" It is generally supposed that the Hebrew women
were debased to the level of slaves. Nothing of the
kind. Customs were sometimes swerved from the
law, influenced as they were by the barbarity of
the times, but it is not the law which abases woman.
" In the Jewish language she is called Ischay the
feminine of Isch^ which means 'man.' This name
alone indicates the perfect equality of the sexes.
Deuteronomy xxi. 10-15 commends us to respect
even the captives. Polygamy, exceptionally practised
by the kings, is forbidden in a formal manner. The
Bible reveals to us in more than one page the dis-
astrous effects of this immorai custom. On a level
with man, Ischy woman, Ischay it is true, was not priest,
but she was permitted to bear the offerings to the altar.
No legislation of antiquity or even of later epochs can
show us woman better treated or more respected than
with the Jews. The mothers of the Maccabees and
of Judith prove the importance of that r61e.
" A young girl of twelve years, Ketannahy could be
promised in marriage by her father, but, above that
age, become Nairahy she could marry to please
herself.
" Pagan and barbarous usages, nevertheless, pene-
trated even among us at the epoch of the Kings. The
sexes were more strictly separated. Sometimes, for
example, the Jews cloistered the women in a harem,
or, if they were poor, compelled them to do manual
labour. There rests this stain against us, contrary to
the true spirit of the Mosaic law.
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88 THE JEW.
" Pardon this digression, too grave, perhaps, for a
love idyl between a man and woman. But you will
see later on that it was necessary."
" I believe that your story will contain at least two
men," said Lucie lightly.
" It suffices me to put only one in strong relief,
although two or three men will find a place in this
history, this idyl, or, if you prefer, this drama. With-
out them there could be no drama."
" Or simply a monodrama depending on one man."
" You have all seen this woman whose voice has so
charmed us. She is the most unfortunate of women,
because she is obliged to submit to a situation that is
revolting to her.
" Her father, a rich Jew, belongs, or rather belonged,
to those of his race who, owing to a European edu-
cation, have sunk into a destructive scepticism, and
regard as an imposture all religions, including his own.
Entering early into active life, he attributed the
success of his career partly to luck, but above all to
his own intelligence and energy. Outside of these
three forces, there was for him nothing else here
below but a poetical Utopia for the amusement of
simpletons.
" The mother of Mathilde was a devout Israelite,
but she died young, and her child was left to the care
of so-called Christians, who taught her their own
unbelief in the ideal, and left her to form her mind
for good or evil by reading without discernment.
They taught her that there was neither virtue nor vice,
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A SIMPLE HISl^ORY OF LOVE.
89
but skill or stupidity, calculation or improvidence,
decency or unseemliness. So that when the maiden
entered society she looked on men as mere ciphers or
figures, as they appear in one of the tables of Py-
thagoras. Such a society seemed unattractive to a
youthful imagination which had an instinctive longing
for the perfumes of life, and found only dead and
withered flowers.
" At an early age shfe was deprived of these illusions.
She was told that men were wicked, heartless, and
deceivers. It would not do to believe in their pro-
testations; she must view them with contempt and
aversion. It was a good thing to be honest, to spare
one's self the trouble of embarrassment, and honesty
is often the best policy. On this theory crime was
only an awkwardness, and virtue without intrinsic worth
unless it brought assured profits.
" As Mathilde might marry an Israelite, a Mussul-
man, or a Christian, she had access to the literature of
all religious beliefs. She read the Bible, but her
father ridiculed the most sacred passages. This
critical raillery and the numerous books perused by
her left her mind nothing but unbelief.
" Add to this the practical education which
endeavoured prematurely to tear from her all heart,
as one pulls an aching tooth to prevent further suffer-
ing, and you can form some idea of what they had
done to this poor child.
"Mathilde entered this existence like an insensible
statue, without taste for life. She foresaw that she
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90 THE JEW.
would not be happy, for she well knew that there
could be no happiness for noble souls. Her senti-
ments did not accord with the line of conduct that had
been drawn for her. Her aspirations were pure, but
she was taught that self-interest should be the only
motive of all her aspirations, and that any other course
was a morbid weakness, and would lead to ruin.
Although she was ignorant of many things that had
been concealed from her, she divined them, and each
day she rebelled against this desperate reality. Her
widowed father lived on, following his own whims
without regard to moral law, and without belief in
virtue. Coveting all that was accessible to him, he
led a selfish life, and, although he was careful to
observe the proprieties in his house, his practices were
visible to the eyes of his young daughter, who was con-
vinced that true affection had no place in the hearts of
men. Her generous nature revolted sadly against this
paternal materialism. Any other woman under the
influence of such an example, in such an immoral
atmosphere, would have been corrupted. Mathilde
felt only a profound melancholy. Nature and study
became her consolers. Art spoke to her of the great
sentiments toward which she had wished to raise
herself, but had been prevented.
" There is perhaps no torture more intense than a
struggle like this between noble instincts and the
animalism of the world. Mathilde in her fourteenth
year was already as sad, as wearied, as she is to-day of
this existence without future and without hope. Be-
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A SIMPLE HISTORY OF LOVE, 91
fore her appeared the certainty of an advantageous
marriage which would render hei life a success in a
worldly sense. Nothing more 1 Her father, with his
wealth, was sure to find a young husband of good
position, possessed of riches equal to his own. It
was not to be supposed that he would seek for other
qualities, and it was certain that he would not suffer
from his daughter, whom he loved after his own
fashion, the least remonstrance in regard to his choice.
" While the girl was growing up in this poisonous
moral atmosphere, in the midst of every luxury, a
young man came to the house."
"I have waited for him a long time with impa-
tience," cried Lucie Coloni. " Behold, at last he is
here ! "
**Do not ask me to describe his character," said
Jacob, " The heroes of true romances like this all
resemble each other in general. They have external
fascinations, all the virtues, all the grand and noble
qualities, an affectionate heart and an exalted head,
and so forth. But my hero, nevertheless, differs a
little from the ordinary. He had some distinctive
traits ; he had been poor, and was little accustomed to
salons. He had drawn all the forces of his success
and energy from the school of humihty; he was
modest, peaceable, and little expansive, like all those
to whom a premature sadness has proved that to ask
sympathy provokes only raillery in this world. The
father of Mathilde was a distant relative of this young
man, and had taken him to his house to finish his
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92 THE JEW.
education, having recognized in him a certain capac-
ity. He intended to push his fortunes owing to a
noble sentiment of relationship which remained in his
heart, and was almost the oaly trace of old Judaism.
He also felt some pride in protecting a young man
who promised to do himself honour in the world.
This promise was only partly fulfilled, for too preco-
cious talents do not always produce the fruits that are
expected of them.
"The young man, who had finished his studies and
was preparing himself for business, lived in the house
of his protector, who intended to send him to foreign
parts to oversee his business. You may give to my
hero any name you wish."
"Call him Jacob," said Ivas.
" No, no ! let us call him Janus, the Polish equiv-
alent for Jonas. I do not know, madame, if it is
hardly worth while to relate the rest to you, for it is
easy to divine. Two orphaned souls, aspiring to the
poetry of life, could not meet without loving. Mathilde
found in him a nobleness which responded to her
ideal of a man's character, and he recognized in her
his ideal of melancholy beauty.
" In his protector's house it was necessary to be on
guard, lest he should suspect an inclination which
would cause them to be separated, and should chase
Janus from his Paradise. The young people well
understood that they must feign indifference for fear
of such a catastrophe. A few words exchanged in a
room full of people, on the street, or near the piano.
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A SIMPLE HISTORY OF LOVE,
93
some furtive glances, — behold the relations of the
young man with Mathilde !
" The father had not the least idea that this unfor-
tunate youth could dare to throw his eyes on an in-
heritance worthy of a Rothschild. If such a thought
had by chance entered his head, he would have put it
away as a thing impossible.
" The English governess, mature but romantic still,
was very. fond of these Platonic friendships, and had
herself even such a weakness for the young man that
she hoped to fascinate him by the multiplicity of her
talents. She put no restraint upon her pupil, and she
even took it upon herself to assist them. His host,
seeing the manoeuvres of Miss Burnet, for he had for
these things much perspicuity, laughed in his sleeve,
thinking it quite natural for Janus thus to commence
his virile career, and never dreaming that it was his
daughter to whom the youth aspired."
Jacob paused, as if short of breath, and Lucie gave
him some sherbet. There was a moment of silence,
then he resumed his narrative in a weaker voice : —
"Recall, each one of you, kind listeners, your
youth and the earliest flower of the springtime of your
first love. Consider that angel of candour, chained
unhappily to the earth, this most prosaic earth, while
her wings unfold and open to carry her to heaven.
The youth adored her as a divinity, and she saw in
him a celestial messenger sent to her from the ethereal
world. That is the romance which they held in their
hearts, and which they would not manifest visibly.
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94 THE JEW.
Two words sufficed to make them happy for a long
time. A look, when they met during the day, gave
them new strength to live.
"The word Move' was never mentioned between
them. The same chaste sentiment beat in unison in
their hearts without inflaming their brains or their
senses. For them silence even was a poem of happi-
ness ; the smile, a joy divine ; and a flower was an
avowal.
''These felicities, which appeared afterward like
child's play, and which reason turned to raillery,
passed unperceived.
" Neither Mathilde's father nor her governess had
the least suspicion of anything serious. The father
even thought that, at times, his daughter was too timid
and too cold toward Janus, and Miss Burnet reproached
her for the same thing. The want of theory or of
practice, I know not which, deceived her, and she
supposed that it was to herself that Janus aspired.
" Alas ! this dream of the heart, this love without
hope, vanished like a dream at the gate of Paradise.
One morning, or rather one afternoon, the father
ordered his daughter, with a very indifferent air, to
dress herself with much care, as he expected a visitor.
A short time before dinner there entered a young man,
distinguished, well-bred, a perfect man of the world,
and whom the father presented under the name of
Henri Segel.
"There are presentiments ! This black- eyed An-
tinoiis, with a perpetual smile on his lips, with an
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A SIMPLE HI STORY OF LOVE.
95
amiability so spiritual and so courteous, frightened the
girL She felt for him a violent repulsion, a strange
sentiment which is explained by psychology only;
she detested him, although she had nothing with
which to reproach him.
** He loved music, and was himself a good musician,
and he was said to be enormously rich.
"Three days after, the father said quietly to his
daughter, without asking her opinion, that Henri Segel
was her betrothed. In announcing this he said that
she was to be congratulated on having pleased Mon-
sieur Segel, and that he had fallen desperately in
love with her. All this was in a tone which did not
permit the slightest contradiction. The thing was
settled; she had nothing to say about it.
" The marriage seemed to him so suitable that all
hesitation or opposition would have appeared an un-
pardonable childishness. She ought to consider her-
self a very lucky girl.
" Mathilde did not reply, but she grew frightfully
pale. She was congratulated on all sides, while she
suffered in her heart. Her sad glance seemed to say
to Jacob " —
" Pardon me," cried Ivas, " but you called him
Janus."
Jacob blushed, drank a glass of water, wiped his
brow, and seemed unable to continue his story.
" You are right," said he at last. " I was mis-
taken."
"Continue, monsieur, — continue, I beg of you,"
cried Lucie.
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96 THE JEW,
" It was," said the Jew, " a pleasant evening in
springtime. The perfume of flowers was spread
abroad, and on the leaves glistened drops of dew.
Mathilde and Miss Burnet walked in the garden.
Seated on a bench, Janus held a book which he
did not read. The Englishwoman saw him and di-
rected their steps toward him. Happily, or perhaps
unfortunately, just then there came a friend of Miss
Burnet. Chance willed that the lovers were left
alone together. They were both glad and frightened
at this unexpected circumstance. They walked to-
gether for some time in silence, trembling and hardly
breathing. The two Englishwomen had a thousand
secrets to relate, and left them alone a long time.
The governess had even whispered to her pupil on
leaving, ' Go as far as you please.'
"They strolled along in silence. She gathered
flowers, among the leaves of which her tears mingled
with the dew-drops. He, pensive, looked at her and
man-like held back the tears that rose to his eyes.
Suddenly Mathilde stopped. She raised her head
proudly, as if she had gained a victory over herself.
She put her hand to her side, and threw on her
kinsman a strange look in which she gave herself to
him for eternity.
" * Very soon,' murmured she, ' we must separate.
You know what awaits me. It will be sweet for me
to recall this evening's walk. And you, will you
remember? '
" She spoke to him for the first time in a sad and
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97
solemn voice. Her expressive words went to Janus'
heart, and he thought he should go mad. His heart
beat violently, his hands were clenched on his breast.
•''Forget you, Mathilde ! ' cried he. 'Forget the
happiness I have tasted with you ! Oh, no, never !
Never 1 I swear to you that I will never marry another
woman, for I have loved you, and I love you still, as
one loves but once in life. Why need I tell you all
my love when you know it already ! '
" ' I have believed it, and I still believe it, but life
is long and memory unfaithful. For you men, it is
said that love is a pastime, for us it is existence. I
have loved you, and I will never cease to love you ! '
" Stifled sobs interrupted her words.
'"Love could never be a plaything to me,' said
Janus. ' In my eyes it is the most sacred thing in life.
It is the marriage of two souls for eternity.'
" ' I believe it,' cried Mathilde, ' and that is why I
love you. I feel that you are honest and sincere ; you
know what awaits me. They have sold me to a man
for whom I have an invincible aversion. But I will
not suffer long, for I shall soon die. May your soul
be the tomb where my memory will not perish ! My
father will raise for me a monument, my husband will
give me a fine funeral, but my grave before long will
be covered with weeds ; may a memory of me remain,
at least, in your heart ! '
"The Englishwomen were so absorbed in their
conversation that they prolonged their farewells for
some lime.
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^ THE JEW.
" ' To-day/ continued Mathilde, * I have seen you
so sad that I have wished, under pretence of saying
adieu, to give you some words of consolation. Who
knows if we shall ever meet alone again ; let me then
repeat that I love you ; that I love and will love you
until death.'
" ' Mathilde,' cried he, rebelling against their des-
tiny, * if you have confidence in me, leave this house.
Behold two arms which can procure you bread.
Your father will forgive us, and you will be mine
forever.'
" ' No ! ' she answered firmly, after an instant of re-
flection ; ' I love you like a child, but I can reason like
a mature woman. I do not believe in a future ; for me
the future is a lure. I should bring you, perhaps, some
moments of happiness, but afterward I should be a
cause of weariness and remorse. You have no right
to show yourself so ungrateful to your protector, who
has done much for you. Who knows whether you
would not be disappointed in me. I am already fad-
ing, having been poisoned from my cradle. My un-
beUef awakens. I hear a mocking laugh vibrate in my
ears, even when tears are in my eyes. No, no ! a hun-
dred times no ! It will be better for you to love the
dead, for who knows if living, you would love me long.'
" She dismissed him with a sigh, and withdrew from
him as if she feared that she might be persuaded.
" After a little, she returned to Janus, who was lost
in bitter thoughts. He had remained where she had
left him, with bowed head and clasped hands.
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A SIMPLE HISTORY OF LOVE.
99
" ' What do you think of my future husband ? ' asked
she.
"'I detest him.'
" ' Is it because he is to be my husband ? '
" ' No. He produced this impression at first sight.'
"* And why?'
" * I know not. He is odious to me, although I
know nothing against him. He is rich, fashionable,
very amiable. And with all that I cannot like him.'
" ' I even fear,' added Mathilde, * that he has noth-
ing human in him. He is a being which appears to
me to be utterly without heart, a sort of automaton
fabricated by the nineteenth century. With all his
knowledge, I am sure that he does not know how to
weep, nor suffer, nor to have pity or compassion on
the sorrows of others. If he gives alms, it is for os-
tentation or calculation ; but he will not grieve for an
unfortunate ; he will never sympathize with him nor
mingle his tears with his. Our epoch of iron has fash-
ioned men worthy of herself. She has made them of
iron, and the blood that courses in their veins is no
longer pure, but has grown rusty.'
" * Perhaps you are a little too severe,' said Janus.
'However, it is the same impression that I have
formed of him. But love and a wife often transform
a man.'
" * A man, yes, but not an automaton. His very
look freezes me. This sweet smile, this perpetual
gayety which cannot be natural, irritates me. He
is always the same, — a being of marble. My God !
have pity on me ! '
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lOO THE JEW.
" In saying these words she drew from her hand a
ring and put it on one of his fingers.
"'I bought this expressly for you. Preserve it
in memory of her whom you have loved. It is
black ; it is a mourning ring, the only kind appropri-
ate to our unhappy love. After to-day any conversa-
tion between us will be impossible, so farewell, and
forget me not.'
" She left him and joined her governess.
"These were the first and last words of love that
passed between them. They saw each other every
day, but as strangers. They bowed to each other, but
neither of them ever sought another interview. Here-
after only shadows and silence would surround their
passion.
" Mathilde accepted, without a word, the husband
that her father had chosen for her. The marriage
was celebrated with great ostentation. The victim
walked to the altar robed in satin and lace and
covered with diamonds.
" Her father was radiant with the joy of having so
well established his daughter. Every one knew that
he had given her a million for a wedding dowry, and
that still another was promised, and that the husband
possessed several himself, with expectations besides.
All the mothers, all the fathers, and all the marriage-
able young girls envied Mathilde*s luck. Behold, in
all its simplicity, the end of my story !
"Two years have passed, and you have met this
husband and wife. He is always calm and happy, she.
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A SIMPLE HISTORY OF LOVE. loi
sad. The only thing that ever troubles him is when
he fails to receive in good time the reports of the
bourse of Paris or London. To amuse him she sings,
as you have heard, the music of Mendelssohn. Truly,
it was hardly worth while to listen to my story. It is
a romance which happens every day, and which has
been related a thousand times before."
"And Janus? " asked the lady.
" Janus wears always the ring of his only beloved.
He bears his sorrow, for in one hour he drained the
dregs of despair. To-day he is only a body without
soul."
" The story is heart-rending above all expression,"
said Lucie, " and I admit that I expected something
more dramatic. The victim has all my sympathy.
As for the lover, I am not anxious about him. This
' body without soul ' will soon be consoled."
" I doubt it," replied Jacob. " Consolation comes
only to those who wish to console themselves. Janus
is resigned to a perpetual mourning of the heart."
" No one would believe," remarked Madame Coloni,
" that this story was of our day ; its character is so
simple and so elegiac."
Jacob rose ; the hour was late, and all the company
prepared to retire. The Russian, who had remained
silent all the evening, was the only one who did not
hasten to depart.
" Then, if not in Genoa, we shall meet again in
Warsaw," said Lucie to Ivas and Jacob.
"You are surely going there, madame?"
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I02 THE JEW,
" It appears that it is decided," replied she, looking
at her companion. " The hour of departure only is
not yet fixed. You will, perhaps, be kind enough to
come to see me."
Ivas and Jacob returned to the Hotel Feder.
" I believe," said Ivas, " that I will not hear the
rest of your biography this evening. You are already
too fatigued with your remembrances. Good-night ! "
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FROM GENOA TO PISA,
103
CHAPTER VI.
FROM GENOA TO PISA.
When Jacob awoke the next morning, he was
astonished to find himself alone. He was told that
Ivas had gone out before daybreak. He was at first
alarmed about this matinal sortie, although he tried to
explain it by a desire to bathe in the sea, or curiosity
to see the city. The thought came to his mind that
the poor boy wished to leave him, through excess of
susceptibility, and had departed, counting on his
restored strength. However, the sight of his little
travelling-bag calmed his fears, and he was waiting
calmly for breakfast when Ivas returned.
" I went out," said he, shaking Jacob's hand, " to
take a little walk. I need air, solitude, and movement.
I came on foot from Marseilles, and I am accustomed
to walking. I have no right to soften myself with
inaction. I must fatigue myself to feel that I live."
"You are a child," said Jacob smiling; "you dis-
trust yourself, while so many others have too much
confidence in themselves. You possess that which can
vanquish all, — will Strong as you feel in yourself
you will overcome all obstacles. I know men remark,
able in all respects who have never accomplished
anything for lack of will, and I know other men who
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I04 THE JEW,
by their energy have attained, by sheer determination,
a position far above that which their talents merited."
" You understand me," said Ivas, " and I fear to lose
this will. I wished a short battle to convince me that
I was not benumbed. I wrestled somewhat as Jacob,
your namesake, did during his sleep, and I have
conquered."
" Where have you been? "
" Almost everywhere. In the dusty highway, in
the tumult of the port, in the deserted walks of Aqua
Sola, and even under the windows of the beautiful
Mathilde."
" And what took you there ? "
" I know not. I found myself there by chance. I
have seen Madame Coloni, the two Italians, and the
Tsigane. We all met there to watch the departure
from Genoa of the marvellous sihger."
" What, the departure ! Perhaps they only went
out for a walk."
" No ; if they intended to remain longer in Genoa
they have changed their minds. The veturino told
me that he was going to Spezia and Pisa. I do not
think the husband would go alone, and from the bag-
gage that I have seen I cannot tell how many travel-
lers there are. The servant would not answer one of
my questions."
" Why did you question him? "
" From curiosity."
" Then they are gone ? "
" Probably, but I did not wait to see them go. I
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FROM GENOA TO PISA,
105
did not wish to be seen among the rabble which sur-
rounded the carriage."
"Well," said Jacob suddenly, "what shall we do
now? What do you desire, — to remain here longer,
or to proceed on our journey ? "
"As you will; but your journey has nothing in
common with mine. I must go as soon as I have
rested a little. You can do as you wish."
" Let me hear no more of this. Away with cere-
mony ! It was agreed that we travel together. Re-
fuse, and you will offend me. Give me your hand.
We will go together. You can reserve your strength
for something better."
" But " —
" Where do you wish to go? "
" I should like to see Spezia and Pisa, if it is
agreeable."
"Why?"
" Frankly, because Jacob wishes to go to Spezia, be-
cause Mathilde has gone that way, because Janus and
Jacob are one and the same person. On his uncov-
ered breast during his sleep I have seen a mourning
ring suspended from a black ribbon."
" Even without that it was easy for you to pierce
this mystery. Yes, that history is mine. Neither she
nor I have any reason to blush. The relative who
sent me to school was Mathilde's father."
"Then we will go to Pisa? "
" Yes, and I think we had better go on foot, if it is
agreeable to you. The route is so beautiful that it
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Io6 THE JEW.
deserves to be taken in detail. We will consign our
baggage to the diligence, and we will take to the
road like two wandering artists."
"An excellent idea. But let us depart before
evening. I am anxious to get to my country. My
homesickness becomes each day more violent. I
foresee great events ; impatience consumes me."
" Confess ! You are a conspirator?"
" How could I be anything else ? All Poland has
conspired for two hundred years. Oppression drives
us to it; generations of martyrs have excited us.
Where life cannot expand in liberty, conspiracy is
inevitable. It is the natural result of despotism."
"I understand you. Unhappily, however, for a
country which is in such a situation, its inhabitants
have lost confidence in themselves, and recognize
their own weakness. I can only comprehend a con-
spiracy like ours, which has lasted two thousand years
and which has led us to a regeneration. It has ag-
glomerated our forces in a solid and vigorous union.
Your conspiracies have something feverish about them
that can end only in morbid decadence."
" Do not say so, I beg of you ! You have not the
same love for Poland as we, and you have not passed
through such martyrdom."
" Excuse me for contradicting you. The country
that has sheltered us, where in spite of continual per-
secutions we have increased by labour, has become for
us a second country that we have chosen. You will
think as I do some day before long. I feel myself at
the same time Israelite and Pole,"
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FROM GENOA TO PISA.
107
" Men like you are rare," said Ivas. " I say it with-
out flattery. In general, your race is credited with
little affection for the country which has been a safe-
guard against other persecutors, and has recognized
you as her children. "
" Softly ! Review history without partiality. Relig-
ious fanaticism and the arrogance of the nobility have
long been* an obstacle to the admission of Jews as cit-
izens. The fault is also with the Jews, who have not
tried to adopt the language and the customs of the
country. They have isolated themselves, made a state
within a state, a nation within a nation, and have not
laboured sincerely to obtain that naturalization which
is obtained only by common bloodshed and devotion.
The fault is on both sides ; both sides also ought to
ask pardon and forget the past. Our age is different
from others. Civilization spreads ever)where. Hu-
mane ideas are general; everything to-day tends to
bring us together and unite us. We tender you the
hand, do not repulse us ! "
" What ! can our younger generation be capable of
repulsing you? There will be for a long while yet
prejudices and repugnances, and evil predictions, but
the majority of the people accept frankly your hand.
Be then our brothers, but he is in spirit as well as in
words, in action as in appearance. Be our brothers,
not in the time of prosperity only, but in times of
trouble and conflict."
Jacob pressed his companion's hand.
"Enough for to-day," said he. "We shall agree
Digitized by VjOOQIC
lo8 THE JEW,
very well together, we young men. The youth of Is-
rael think as I do. However, with us, as with you,
there will be prejudices, old hatreds, secular distinc-
tions; we must not let ourselves be influenced by
these remembrances of the past. Love only can
appease and unite us as one. Let us endeavour to
love each other. We shall have occasion to resume
this subject ; let us now prepare to go. Shall it be on
foot or in a carriage? "
" On foot, by all means."
That afternoon, dressed as pedestrians, they went
to say farewell to Lucie Coloni. They found her in
the midst of preparations for departure, in the midst
of bags and trunks. The Russian was arranging the
books and papers. The lady was finishing paying
bills.
Jacob and Ivas were going to leave, fearing to in-
commode them, when Lucie looked up and saw Ivas.
" Ah, you are there ! We are just going. Be sure
to come to Warsaw, and do not forget what I asked you.
Let me hear from you ; I shall be anxious to see yqu.
To-day I cannot talk longer. Do not forget Lucie
Coloni. At the theatre you will find my address."
The young Pole looked at her with astonishment.
" You go with Gromof ? " asked he.
"Yes. He is an old friend. I do not know that
he will accompany me all the way. That depends.
There is nothing certain. I will remind you that you
can be very useful to me. May that be a reason for
our meeting again. "
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\
FROM GENOA TO PISA, 109
'* But how can I be useful to you ? "
" Do not ask me now, I pray you. That is my
business. Aurevoirl Addio I Addio!^^
When they came down the steps which led to the
narrow place that separated the two hotels, they
almost ran against the Tsigane who stood gaping in
the air, smoking his cigar, and gravely watching the
asses transporting their enormous loads to the wharf.
" Where are you two bound ? " asked he.
" We leave to-day, on foot."
« On foot ? "
*' Yes."
" How ridiculous, when you can travel so much
more comfortably ! It is good, however, to have
whims. As for me I am no longer capable of them.
Still, if I could have for a companion the charming
Italian I might decide to go on foot with her. The
Russian monopolizes her."
" I fear so ! " cried the Dane, suddenly appearing.
"She has made an execrable choice. They have
gone together; I have seen them off. Where are
they going?"
"We know not. Perhaps toward the south."
" It is the cheapest way," replied the Dane, " and
perhaps that is why the Russian will take it. One
hardly needs food when they have swallowed the dust
on the way. That is why I have decided to go by
water. I love to travel that way much better than by
land. I came to say good-by to la belle Coloni. I
hoped to cut out the Russian, and I still have hopes
Digitized by VjOOQIC
no THE JEW.
that when I meet her again she may be tired of him.
In order to gain a victory one must try."
" He calls that a victory ; droll idea ! " said the
Tsigane. " He ignores the fact that in Italy one can
obtain as many Lucie Colonis as he wishes for travel-
ling companions."
" I do not believe," said Ivas, " that there are many
persons as good and as spirituelU as this Lucie."
" I forgot that she came to your assistance at the
Grotto. That is nothing. It only proves that she
has a good heart. Any other woman would have
screamed, and profited by the occasion to swoon
gracefully. But I do not see the necessity of spirit
in women. What use is it to them ? To bite ? They
have their teeth for that."
Then addressing Jacob, the Tsigane continued :
" Will you accept me as a companion ? I ask it as a
favour."
The two men questioned each other with their eyes.
Gako perceived it, and said haughtily : " I withdraw
my request. Stamlo is too old and too tiresome.
Then the heat, the dust, render the diligence prefer-
able. Adieu ! "
He took leave of them and quickly disappeared.
"That is much better," said the Jew. " We should
have had a tiresome companion."
The sun was sinking into the sea when the two
comrades left their hotel and set out fof Spezia. The
suburbs of Genoa were marvellously beautiful. There
were cypress and orange groves, and vineyards ; flowers
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FROM GENOA TO PISA. m
bloomed on every side, and birds sang in the branches
overhead. Soon their pathway led along the border
of the sea ; at each moment the scene changed like a
panorama. In springtime or in autumn this route is
overrun by swarms of tourists who pass by with such
rapidity that they retain only a vague impression of its
beauty. Less numerous are the travellers who know
how to travel slowly, and make frequent halts to drink
in the beauty of the country.
Our friends were of the number who hasten slowly.
They were in no way troubled about their arrival at
Spezia ; they were sure to find a lodging somewhere,
for it was not difficult. A rustic chamber, some fish
salad and cheese, some wine of the district, more or
less palatable, that was to be found everywhere ; and
for lights they could have primitive little lamps, the
rays from which are agreeable enough, but too feeble
to permit one to read and write easily. Civilization
in Italy has introduced wax candles only in the large
cities.
Before they were fatigued, Jacob and Ivas procured
asses, whose easy gait permits one to sleep if one
wishes. These useful animals are accustomed to carry
men as well as the most fragile objects.
The day had given place to twilight when they came
to the orange groves of Nervi, with the flowers of
which is made a water for spasms, celebrated the world
over.
Until then the friends had spoken on many subjects.
"You promised me to finish your biography,*' at last
Digitized by VjOOQIC
112 THE JEW,
said Ivas. '' You have disarranged a little the chrono-
logical order by your love episode, but it will not be
difficult to reestablish and complete your recital."
''With pleasure. I have concealed nothing, and
yesterday I was obliged to reveal the most secret part
of my life. I believe we left off where I entered
school. Persecuted by my comrades, I learned there
to know Ufe as well as grammar. There were no
notable events during that period. It opened to me,
however, the doors of science, which I embraced to
a surprising extent. Until then I had read only the
Bible, which comprised or me the entire world. Since
then I have been intereoted not only in the develop-
ment of a single people, but of humanity. My exclu-
sive faith in the chosen people was shaken by these
studies. They appeared to me under a different light.
My faith was troubled and my mind made more inde-
pendent. Finally, I returned to the Bible more a Jew
than ever, but of a different kind. Perhaps it is diffi-
cult for you to comprehend my Judaism. I will try,
then, to explain to you how our society, strongly
united by the remembrance of former persecutions,
is to-day divided into several divergent factions.
"The Jew is no longer what he was when his
absolute separation forced him to be himself, — to
live, to reflect, and to instruct, within the narrow
circle which hostile Christianity had traced for him.
From time to time this circle sent out a Maimonides
or a Spinosa, but it was largely composed of a com-
pact body of strict and faithful believers. We grouped
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FROM GENOA TO PISA.
"3
ourselves around the Ark of the Covenant. To-day
the Jews are more liberal, less restrained, '^r ' -valk in
different paths. Man * rej»'C* ♦he ancic :. • .. and
accept in appearance an«. . -'jligion, in
reality, they have none. . ly pi cor, the i*.... of
Mathilde, was one of this type. Educated by strangers,
in the midst of indifferent men, he lost, at an early age,
all respect for our traditions. Liberated from all
ceremonious restraint, he was not a Christian, but had
arrived at a stand-point, as you already know, where
he reduced morality to calculation, and had taken
reason for his guide.
" Man is only the most perfect animal. Above him
exist other worlds, other beings, other conceptions ;
besides the body, there is a soul, which unites itself to
the divinity, and can soar higher than the earth or
stars. Materialism and atheism satisfy neither society
nor individual. Their adepts are like flowers torn
from their stalks: they wither rapidly. Take away
God and the soul, and what would be the result with
our refined civilization ? An age such as ours, which
subjugates the elements, pierces the mysteries of nat-
ure, but knows not how to distinguish good from evil.
It is an age which worships only force, and where are
heard in prolonged echoes the va victis. There is
nothing more sad than to see men who have over-
thrown tradition, and who have no other hope or aim
but material prosperity.
" They are only too numerous in your commun-
ion as well as ours. The Christian who has ceased
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114 ^^^ y^^'
to be a Christian, the Jew who rejects Moses, have
for a horizon only an earthly life consecrated to the
satisfaction of their passions. Even when they ap-
pear to be happy, they are at heart miserable.
They end in apathy or insanity. Man finds in
Mosaism an intellectual nourishment sufficient for
his reason.
" In order to decry the faith of Moses, which is the
basis of Christianity, it is unjust to take advantage
of certain singularities in the Talmud which are al-
most always falsely ridiculed. Even in the Talmud
one finds a poetry of which any literature might be
proud."
" I know nothing of this poetry," said Ivas.
"You have, however, read quotations from the
Talmud chosen in such a way as to cast ridicule upon
it."
" No ; I know almost nothing of it."
" Are you curious to have some idea of it ? Would
you like to know the Paradise or the Hell after the
rabbinical conceptions ? ' '
" From preference the Hell, for human imagination
is more apt to represent the tortures of the damned
than the delights of the elect. Dante's Heaven is
very inferior to his Hell. Probably it is the same
thing with the Talmud."
"I do not know. The description of the abode
of the blessed in the Book Jalkut (7. A.) is full of
splendour."
" As for Hell in the book, Nischmas Khaim, it is sep-
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FROM GENOA TO PISA,
115
arated from Paradise by a very thin wall, symbol of the
narrow bounds which often separate vice and virtue.
The river which rushes through the Hell is boiling,
whilst that which flows through Paradise is of an agree-
able freshness. Three routes lead to it : by the sea,
by the desert, and by a city of the world. Five kinds
of fire burn continually in Hell, of which the extent is
sixty times greater than that of the earth. It is gov-
erned by three chiefs. The most important of this
triumvirate is called Dumah. This Dumah has three
prime ministers, — Ghinghums, Taschurinia, and Saz-
saris. The palace of this demon is situated in that
part of Hell called Bor.
" Hell is full of scorpions and serpents, and is di-
vided into several departments. The deepest and the
most frightful serves as a sewer for the filth of the other
hells, and for the poison of the old serpent that se-
duced Eve.
" The Talmud is varied. It contains dialogues, con-
troversies, dissertations, allegories, and moral tales. It
is a collection of the writings of several ages, through
which one can follow the variations in the Hebrew
language. They have tried to establish in this con-
fusion a certain order. Maimonides, among others,
has tried it ; but his book on this subject, although
very much esteemed, has not been accepted by all,
*' In opposition to the unbelieving Jews like Ma-
thilde's father, there are Jews who adhere blindly to
the Talmud, and put several rabbis on a level with
Moses. Others, like myself, put their faith in the Old
Digitized by VjOOQIC
Il6 ^ THE JEW.
Testament, and are content to respect the traditions
related in the Talmud. At first by early Jewish edu-
cation, afterward by my European education, I became
an Israelite of a special kind. The Talmud, from
which I sought to draw lessons of wisdom, had not
made me superstitious. At the bottom of my heart
I guard as a most precious treasure my religious
belief. I do not repel the light of reason nor the law
of progress, a negation which would, in a way, sepa-
rate me from actual humanity. My faith and my rea-
son agree perfectly.
" When I was called to Warsaw by my kinsman, I
had not the least idea of the true situation of my co-
religionists. In the provinces I had met many kinds
of Jews. Some were so faithful to their belief that
they dared not depart from the most useless and inex-
plicable rules. Others, our brothers by blood, were
no more ours in customs and spirit.
" I approached the capital of the kingdom with
lively emotions, anxious for the future, and ignorant
of the world I was about to enter.
" The provincial Jews live and have lived entirely
separated from the Christians. Here I met them for
the first time mixed and confounded, if not by law, at
least by habit, with the population. At first I could
hardly comprehend the thing. I met Jews who
sought to conceal their origin, visible as it was on
their Semitic brows, among whom some were believ-
ers, others complete sceptics. Our race, by wealth, ed-
ucation, and acquired importance, were in position to
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FROM GENOA TO PISA.
117
court and obtain political and civil equality. The old
Polish nobles, imbued with bygone prejudices, saw
with alarm this imminent fusion, and endeavoured to
prevent or to retard it, considering always the children
of Israel as strangers and intruders. On both sides
hatred has been kindled, and the position is false in
both camps. Those whom daily business brought
together, whom necessity united, who had mutual
interests, remained like armed foes divided by re-
membrances, prejudices, and fanaticism.
"However, victory for us is certain. Justice and
the spirit of the times render it inevitable; but I
digress, as usual.
" Mathilde's fether, feeling sure of his pupil, intro-
duced me into society. I had other kindred in
the capital, and before long I had made many
acquaintances.
" I was much chagrined by the sentiment of the
greater part of my compatriots, a sentiment incom-
prehensible to me, — of shame at being Jews. In the
houses of the wealthy there was not the slightest ves-
tige of the faith and traditions of our fathers. The
ancient customs had disappeared, the religious cere-
monies were not observed. They concealed them-
selves to celebrate the Sabbath.
" I would like to describe some types of the com-
munity difficult to characterize in general, but it would
take too long.
" We made evident progress ; still we were in some
sort dispersed and enfeebled, and what is worse, the
Digitized by VjOOQiC
II 8 THE JEW,
country was indifferent to us. If we displayed any
patriotic sentiments, they were rather affected than
sincere. It was rather from pride than from duty.
We had almost ceased to be Jews, and we knew not
how to become Poles. We started, as it were, on a
voyage without compass. Unhappy situation ! **
Jacob sighed and ceased speaking. The darkness
obliged them to halt at an inn near by. It was a
small brick house built on a hill near the sea- shore.
The sign bore the name, Albergo di Tre Corone.
Near the door, whence streamed the cheerful light
from a crackling wood-fire, they saw a cart with two
horses surrounded by men clad like sailors with their
jackets thrown over their shoulders. A woman hold-
ing an infant to her breast was seated against the
wall. Around the house were vineyards, aloe and fig
trees, the whole scene being thrown out in strong re-
lief by the glimmering firelight.
Our travellers relieved themselves of their bags,
ordered supper, and in the interval of waiting went
down near the sea, and, seating themselves on a rock,
listened to the ebb and flow of its murmuring waters.
Near them under the stunted bushes flew innumerable
fireflies, seeming in the obscurity to be little sparkling
stars. They rested mute, in the silence of the even-
ing, the prayer of the tired earth.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT. n^
CHAPTER VII.
VOYAGE ON FOOT.
Our companions were awakened early next morn-
ing by the coming and going of travellers at the inn,
a noise which was only dominated by the braying
of asses. Jacob and Ivas resolved to depart imme-
diately, and, profiting by the freshness of the morning,
to make up the time they had lost the previous even-
ing. Short stages, such as that of the day before,
threatened if continued to render their journey inter-
minable ; but their excuse was that their route lay
through an enchanting country where the beauties of
the landscape made them forget the flight of the days.
They walked for some time without exchanging a
single word. Both were absorbed in thought. Finally
Ivas broke a silence which weighed equally on his
companion.
"Well," said he, "have you finished your history?
I have your life in general, but it lacks many details.
You ought to have something more to tell me."
" It would be as easy," replied Jacob, " to finish my
recital in two words, as to continue it for two years,
without even then exhausting the subject. However,
if you desire it, we will take it up where we left off.
" My kinsman observed me attentively. My reflec-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
I20 THE JEW.
tions often astonished and displeased him. He found
me too much of a Jew, and when on Saturday I an-
nounced to him that I wished to go to the synagogue,
it was with surprise that he replied : —
a t Why? Do you wish to remain faithful to obsolete
prejudices ? '
" * Yes. I wish to remain a Jew.'
" ' Do as you will,' said he, ' but know beforehand
that the point in question is to be a man. After that,
complete liberty in religious matters.'
" After this interview he looked on me as an indi-
vidual on whom he could count only up to a certain
point.
" One day he spoke to me of a person who, as he
said, shared my convictions. He was an old man
named Louis Mann, whom I knew by sight, and who
passed for one of the deep thinkers of the city.
" The next day I went to pay my respects to him
at an hour when I was almost certain to find him at
home. He lived with his wife and three daughters in
the first floor of a fine mansion. His apartments
were richly furnished, and his son lived in a separate
house near by.
" When I rang the bell a servant showed me into a
little reception-room. A half-open door permitted
me to look into the salon, and see a brilliant company
of ladies and elegant cavaliers. I waited a long quar-
ter of an hour. Mann then came in to see me ; he
did not deign to introduce me to his family or guests.
I was received politely, bui not as an equal. He
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT, 121
made me understand that he did me an honour by
receiving a homage which was due to him as a co-re-
ligionist, but that he had no desire to have any social
relations with me.
" My position was embarrassing enough. On one
side ladies dressed in the latest fashion surrounded the
mistress of the house, who was clad in a magnificent
robe of embroidered satin. I had not even been
asked to sit down, as Monsieur Mann evidently dis-
dained my unfashionable clothes. His pride did not
hurt me ; in spite of my poverty I had a most pro-
found sentiment of self-respect, and it made me feel
for this person puffed up with his own importance
more pity than resentment.
" He began to give me advice, mentioning the
names of many rich Israehtes and dignitaries of the
highest places, happy to let me see that he had inti-
mate relations with these distinguished men. What
did it matter? Wishing to dazzle me, he laid bare
his littleness, and I remember perfectly the glitter of
three decorations that ornamented his morning coat.
" ' Young man,* said he in a solemn voice, ' I am
rejoiced that your most worthy kinsman has tendered
you a helping hand. By your assiduity and labour
try to recompense him and render yourself useful to
our race. We are all disposed to assist you, but you
must make yourself worthy of us.'
" Still speaking, he looked at the door without even
condescending to turn his head toward me. As he
finished speaking there entered a lovely young girl
Digitized by VjOOQIC
123 THE JEW.
who scanned me with half-closed eyes, then ap-
proached her father, put her arm around his neck and
whispered something in his ear without granting me
the least recognition.
"That was enough. There was nothing for me to
do but retire as soon as possible. Mann, not think-
ing of detaining me, dismissed me coldly and entered
the salon,
" I learned later on that he had done many benevo-
lent actions, but, right or wrong, I have always attrib-
uted them to his extreme vanity. I ought to be
grateful that in difficulties he has always put himself
forward as the protector of the Jews. Far from being
ashamed of his origin, he proclaimed it aloud and
gloried in it. It was, perhaps, because he wished to
pass as the representative of his people and be cele-
brated. Many times even he has agitated the subject
in a perfectly useless and stupid manner.
" Mann was apparently a chief, but his followers
were composed of a phalanx of adroit advisers who
knew well how to accustom him to adopt their ideas
as his own.
" His house was always open to visitors who con-
sidered him, or pretended to consider him, as the
influential leader of the Jewish population of the city.
Never did an exterior so well correspond to the
character of a man. Short and corpulent, with broad
shoulders, he had the air of carrying the world on his
back, a crushing weight for others, but insignificant
for a person of his calibre. In private life he played
willingly enough the role of querulous benefactor.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT.
123
"In other respects an honest man, his Jewish
orthodoxy, although lacking sincerity, was, at least, a
satisfaction to his pompous vanity. Under a mask of
religion he equalled my kinsman in scepticism. They
both had one real sentiment, — hatred for the nobility ;
and as I did not look on things as they did, they
seemed to me extremely unjust. They concealed this
enmity as much as possible ; they lived on good terms
with many of the nobles, and even made them great
demonstrations of friendship. It was a comedy on
both sides.
"Would you know the Jews in their worst light,
then ask a Polish noble. Would you learn the vices
and follies of the nobility, question a Jew.
"The populous city was a large field of study for a
curious observer like myself. I sought to learn the
inmost character of the people of Israel. My at-
tachment to them dated from infancy, and for a long
while I hoped to consecrate my life to the amelioration
of my race. Still weak, unknown, without influence
and without knowledge, I could hardly believe myself
equal to the role to which I aspired ; but an interior
voice encouraged me. I dreamed of regenerating
the Polish Israelites. But in this dream I did not be-
lieve that the reform would commence in the higher
classes. These were they who above all were an ob-
stacle to my mission, through systematic indifference,
always a thing more difficult to overcome than the
most inveterate prejudice.
" The question being more complex than I had at
Digitized by VjOOQIC
124 ^'^^ y^^'
first supposed, I found it necessary to acquire a more
solid instruction in order to combat it. I consecrated
anew all my leisure to reading the Bible and its com-
mentaries. At the outset my sojourn at Warsaw was
sustained by sweet illusions, and my daily meetings in
the city were very profitable to my intelligence. Con-
versations with this one and that one showed me the
urgency of a reform to purify the Talmud and affirm
the Bible and its teachings. The enterprise promised
to be no less successful with mocking sceptics like my
cousin, than with sincere fanatics whose sins were only
excess of credulity.
"I really do not know how the idea of such a
gigantic project originated in my mind. Humblest of
men, I only know that I had a confidence in myself
which increased with difficulties. In place of discour-
aging me, obstacles only enlarged the circle of my
activity. I was in no haste to set to work. I wished
above all to discover the ground and the weak point
of my adversaries. That which frightened me, with-
out making me renounce my project, was the great
number of atheists among the Israelites.
" Mann and my cousin were not the only leaders of
unbelief. Always and everywhere in the ruling class
I met counterparts of these two men. The lower
class offered me some consolation. Among them,
though belief might be extinguished, religious customs
still existed. There was often an abyss between true
religion and its practice whose corruption was great,
but at times there appeared an instance of virtue,
radiant and pure.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT, 135
"Everything assured me that my idea of reform
i¥as a just one, and that the propitious hour was not
far oif when I should become the instrument of God
for the advancement of the people of Israel."
Jacob arose from his seat on the rock as he spoke,
and his face shone with a superb and devout inspira-
tion.
" And the streets of Warsaw did not make you lose
your illusions?" asked Ivas smiling.
" Not at all. The thought that I carried from my
distant province I preserved in the Polish capital. I
have published it in my journeys, and I will take it
back to Poland. The thought is my life ! "
" Alas ! " cried Ivas, " you come too late. The
days of the prophets and the lawgivers are past.
Proselytism is not possible in an epoch where each
individual feels himself as capable as his neighbour -of
reasoning, of reforming, and of advancing by following
his own impulses. No one will permit himself in
these days to be led by the hand like a child."
" You are mistaken. Prophets are of all times, and,
as general education is perfected, a guide is necessary
to indicate the end to be obtained, and to conduct
the masses by the power of superior virtue."
" Have you, then„ the hope of raising yourself to
that position ? "
" I know not. But the sentiment of this mission
would not have taken such root in my soul if it came
not from God. If I think to shrink from the task, a
superior power orders me to advance."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
126 THE JEW,
" Poor dreamer ! " thought Ivas.
" The burden is heavy," Jacob continued ; " I do
not ignore that. My personal worth has nothing to
do with the thing. My object is so sublime that it
awes me. But," said he suddenly, " you do not ap-
pear to comprehend me."
" No matter, I admire you ! " replied the young Pole,
shaking his companion's hand warmly. "I know
very little of the Israelites, but I sympathize with them.
Your race resembles ours. An ingenious Muscovite
teacher, in one of his manuals for the schools where
history is learned by questions and answers, has put
the following question : * Which are the nations with-
out a country?' The official reply is: 'The Jews,
the Gypsies, and the Poles.' I have never forgotten
that wicked irony of a Russian teacher. Between you
and me there is a likeness^ and at the same time an
unlikeness. Your oppression dates back to ages
whose very antiquity is in one way an excuse for bar-
barism, while ours dates from an age that has taken
for its device * Fraternity, equality, and liberty ! '
Compared with other people in this nineteenth cen-
tury, except, perhaps, the Irish, our destiny is a fright-
ful anachronism. But to return to the Jews."
"You know me much better now," continued
Jacob slowly. "You see before you a fanatic, an
original, an eccentric, a man who believes, who hopes,
who has a determined aim in life. I have undertaken
my journey only to prepare myself better for the exe-
cution of my project. I am more convinced than
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT,
127
ever of the necessity of the task which I have as-
sumed. I have seen the Jews in almost every land.
Everywhere I have found in them the two maladies
which poison my co-religionists in Poland, — indiffer-
ence or unbelief, which renders us cosmopolites;
fanaticism, or ignorance, which puts on us the ban of
humanity. These two dangerous elements threaten
to extend. Israel will disappear from the surface of
the earth, like all nations who repudiate their glorious
past, like nations detached from the maternal breast
of humanity, which live an exclusive life exhausting
and extinguishing themselves. Israel has great need
of regeneration."
"And you expect to be the regenerator? "
" I count only on indicating the work. What reason
should hinder me from putting my hand to the task
for which I have prepared myself with assiduity and
perseverance. The will is an immense force.
" After my visit to Mann, my cousin asked me what
impression I had formed of this man whom he knew
better than I. He sought, no doubt, by this question
to better understand my humble self.
" ' I found him,* replied I, ' so occupied that it was
a trouble to receive me.'
" ' Did he not receive you well ? '
"*Yes. But' —
" ' Bah ! You must not attach importance to his
reception. He is a boor whose grossness is only
partly concealed. At heart he is an honest and ex-
cellent man.'
Digitized by VjOOQIC
128 THE yEW.
" We arose from the table, the ladies passed into
the saloHy and my cousin led me to his study, where
he drew from me a detailed report of my visit.
" ' I am young,' added I in finishing, * and I have
therefore nothing to seek. At all events, I have no
desire to see him again.*
'* ' On the contrary 1 On the contrary ! You must
go to see him often. Shake off your timidity. With
men in general be bold without impertinence. The
less you treat them with respect, the more consider-
ation they will have for you. Abase yourself, and they
will put you under their feet.'
" ' You are right,' replied I ; * nevertheless I cannot
change myself; I cannot be bold by reflection nor
calculation, nor humble by interest. It is unfortunate
to have so little control over one's self, but it would be
in vain for me to attempt to change my nature.'
" ' Then you will never amount to anything. In
the world, in order to succeed, one must play a con-
tinual part ; one must know how to be humble when
one is really proud, and to show one's self valiant when
paralyzed by fear. Otherwise one is exposed to im-
positions, dominated over and crushed. You must
crush or be crushed ; which would you rather do ? '
"'So wretched a rule of conduct,' said I, 'will
never be mine. My principles are absolutely dif-
ferent. I look on life as a grave and serious mission ;
as for yourself, excuse my frankness, it is not a r61e
learned in advance for the theatre.'
" ' Oh, I do not mind,* said he ; ' but our two systems
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT.
129
diflfer because you have too good an opinion of men.
Yours is fine in appearance, detestable in results.
Open your heart, unveil your inmost thoughts, it is to
deliver them voluntarily as food for men whom reason
commands us to despise as our natural enemies.*
" ' I would rather,' cried I, ' regard them as
brothers ! ' My cousin laughed ironically and stroked
his beard.
" ' My dear,* added he, ' it matters not what you
prefer, but what really exists. I have never sup-
posed that you were so innocent. All the bucolic
pictures of mankind are very well in paintings, tap-
estries, or screens, but in practical life to believe in
Utopia is always to remain a dupe. At times man is
good and honest, but he inclines more frequently to
evil. Is it not worth while to lean on a normal state
rather than on exceptions of short duration ? *
" ' But humanity will perfect itself.*
" * When ? How ? All nonsense ! Industry will
advance, implements will be perfected so that we may
be nourished and clad, commerce will develop, but not
man. That which makes life easy for the masses is a
benefit, and yet the question is not determined whether
all this progress corrupts or elevates mankind. The
question is not settled. We must use men like tools
to elevate ourselves, and not lose time by loving them
as a whole. The useless ought to be put out of the
way without pity. The capable we must learn to make
use of. Behold my theory ! Your*s leads to nothing.
Sensibility is a disease, a malady of the worst kind.*
Digitized by VjOOQIC
130 THE JEW,
" This terrible theory did not frighten me ; I was
prepared to hear it. This was for me a decisive and
memorable day. It brought together, and at the same
time drew apart, my mentor and myself. He contin-
ued, looking me in the face : —
" ' As I wish you well, not from a morbid sensibility,
but to make of you a man who may be useful to me,
I will give you one more word of advice. You have a
habit, as if to distinguish yourself, of boasting con-
tinually of being a Jew. It is ridiculous, and will
injure you seriously.'
" ' It would, I think, be still more ridiculous to wish
to conceal it, and that I will never do,* replied I, ' for
I am strongly attached to my race and to my belief.
By simple calculation, even, would it not be a hundred
times better to declare my origin than to conceal it,
that it may afterward be thrown in my face as an
insult?'
" * But why recall your origin ever)rwhere you go ? '
" * Because I am proud of it.*
*' * Proud, and why? That is inconceivable. Juda-
ism was, perhaps, in former times our shield and
buckler, but it is no longer so.'
" ' But our religion,' commenced I.
" ' Our religion ! What is it more than other
religions? They are all alike. So much milk for
babes. You believe, then, that it is wicked to yoke
together an ox and an ass for labour, or to mix blood
with milk, or silk with wool, and that whoever does
not keep these old rules and reply Amen to them
will go to hell?'
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT. 131
" ' I respect even these old ordinances of my faith,
difficult as they are to explain. I see the reason in
the law of Moses of the order not to mix grains in the
fields : it is a wise agricultural measure. To forbid
two animals working together, one of whom is much
weaker than the other, is a protection for the beasts.
Not to mix blood and milk is probably a good hygienic
law. Not to wear silk and wool at the same time can
pass for a sumptuary law, designed as a lesson against
superfluous luxury. In general, all these prohibitions
against mixing species are symbols of the necessity that
there is for Israelites not to mix with other nations.
I respect these rules even when I cannot explain
them. The * Amen ' in the schools is a duty, for not
to assent to the rabbins is to show unbelief.*
"My cousin listened, astonished at the enthusiasm
of my answer, then he shrugged his shoulders.
" ' You had better get rid of these prejudices,' said
he.
" ' If they were prejudices, you would be right, but
you cannot call respected traditions prejudices. It is
to put our faith in danger."
"'What is faith?'
" * The definition is unintelligible to those who do
not feel the need of it.'
" ' It is easy to recognize, in listening to you, the
teachings of your first fanatical masters.'
" ' I do not dream of shaking off the teachings of
childhood. They have made me a member of God's
chosen people. Leave me my convictions.'
Digitized by VjOOQIC
132 THE JEW,
** * Keep them, if you will. Your whims will depart
of themselves. All I ask is that you keep them to
yourself. Actual society is tolerant, but it does not
like fanaticism, for that always denotes a narrow mind
or an unhealthy state. Truly none of us forgets that
he is a Jew, but it is unnecessary and injurious for one
to be perpetually clothed in his Judaism.*
** The life of my guardian conformed in all things
to his principles. He was guided by cold reason,
sometimes also by passion, which he knew well how to
bridle, but never by sentiment, of which he was either
destitute, or from which he strove to deliver himself.
I know not if he was fashioned thus by nature or
by education, but each one of his steps was regu-
lated by self-interest. He put calculation above all
things. He loved his daughter, but in his own way ;
he had disposed of her, as he thought, excellently, and
had brought her up to conform to his ideas.
" A terrible despot under a benign form, he had a
conservative instinct to undertake nothing that was
not certain to succeed. Fighting against obstacles,
where to draw back would have been an avowal of
his weakness, he almost always succeeded where other
men failed.
"He now endeavoured to widen the circle of my ac-
quaintances. In spite of my distaste to pushing myself
on in this way, he did not cease to preach to me that I
must take men by storm. He often took me to visit
people who were odious to him ; for these he reserved
his most gracious smiles, his most cordial protestations.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT, 133
He turned a deaf ear to all offensive allusions, and did
not appear to notice the indifference of this one nor
the ostensible malevolence of another. He had such
control over himself that things which completely up-
set me did not seem to make the least impression on
him. He contented himself with biting his lips
and smiling. But afterward the reaction was violent,
and the more his irritation had been restrained the
more violent was his hatred when he had taken off the
mask. Reason, which always predominated with him,
was the only thing which kept him from passing the
bounds prescribed by prudence.
" From the first year of my sojourn in Warsaw he
initiated me into the world of speculators, where one
must know how to defend one's self in order not to be
crushed. Every day I felt myself less adapted to such
a life. What shocked me most was the continual ly-
ing ; hardly any one thought of speaking the truth. I
adopted a different line of conduct, — an audacious
frankness.
"Men, who always judge others by themselves,
imagined that I played an easy part, and that I acted
thus by calculation. I succeeded well enough in
business, but in the midst of rogues of all kinds I
passed equally for a rogue, an impostor of a new
school who played with truth. I acquired the repu-
tation of being a good actor. This troubled me a
little, but it gave me the measure of men of our epoch
who have for their motto : ^Mundus vult decipi ergo
decipiatur,*
Digitized by VjOOQlC
" Mathilde, in these early days, was my only conso-
lation. You already know that I loved her ; you know
that our love resembled a flower concealed in the grass.
For her, at least, I was neither a knave nor a comedian.
A sentiment clearer than reason gave her confidence in
my words. Our conversations were not like those of
lovers. By an inexplicable mystery Mathilde's heart
had not been chilled by her education. Many things
were not alluded to in our discussions, which almost
always took place in the presence of her governess. I
did not like to let her know my opinion of her father,
for whom she bore a lively affection, which it was not
my wish to disturb. I also loved him in spite of his
perversity. Some allusions from Mathilde made me
understand that he also had suffered in his youth.
"My guardian knew how to gratify his desires
without infringing the strictest propriety or the most
severe decorum. It was known, perhaps, but no one
ever saw the least impropriety in his conduct.
" For a year he spoke to me no more of religion.
At the end of that period, accidentally, perhaps, rather
than by deliberation, he renewed the conversation.
No doubt he wished to know if my prolonged sojourn
in Warsaw had modified my ideas and calmed my
enthusiasm. Finding me absolutely unchanged, he
abruptly changed the subject.
"Some days after, he mentioned to me houses
where I ought to pay frequent visits, hoping that the
influence of those I met at them would act on my sen-
timents and ideas. He recommended to me a family
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT.
'35
very important among the Israelites. This family was
descended from the tribe of Levi, and numbered
several members living together in perfect harmony,
although one remained a Jew, another had embraced
Protestantism, and a third had become a Catholic.
My cousin approved this family as a model of indif-
ference in religious matters. Pleasing to him, the
spectacle scandalized me.
" The melancholy which reigned in Mathilde*s soul
I discovered also more or less developed in most of
the women of her race, who can be divided into two
categories: frivolous women without principle, and
women obliged to conceal their noble instincts, know-
ing them forbidden."
The entire day was passed in conversation which
gave Ivas much to think of, and although the friends
rode on their donkeys, and two days had passed
since their departure, they wefe yet not far from
Genoa.
Night found them in a little village on the sea-shore,
near hills crowned with cypress, palms, and orange
trees ; the huts were covered with ivy and surrounded
by myrtle and laurels.
They sought a lodging, and engaged one in a
narrow street whose houses were built over ancient
arches sunk in the middle of a hillock. In the dis-
tance a travelling-carriage without horses announced
a hotel.
"What a meeting!" cried Ivas. "Unless the
Italian carriages resemble each other like drops of
Digitized by VjOOQIC
136 THE JEW.
water, I swear that is the one which carried Mon-
sieur and Madame Segel from Genoa."
Jacob stopped short at the same moment. He recog-
nized Mathilde's husband standing at the door of the
inn near a woman who, from her height and figure,
bore no resemblance to his wife.
" It is a hallucination ! It is not possible ! " ex-
claimed the Jew.
"There is no doubt. It is Segel; it is he ! " said
Ivas.
Jacob's heart beat violently.
" Yet," added he, as if to explain the reality, " they
should be far from here, even supposing some acci-
dent had happened to their carriage. It is singular.
— Yes, it is Henri — perhaps she is ill, she — Let
us seek another inn. It will be awkward for all.
Ivas, go and assure yourself of this thing."
The Jew seated himself near a caf6 bearing the
motto, Del Gran Colombo. A quarter of an hour
later the messenger returned. He seemed sur-
prised.
" Well, how is it? " asked Jacob.
" Very strange. It is he, but — it is not she."
" You dream ! Your eyes deceived you, without
doubt."
" No, I never forget a face. This one is a young
Italian, fresh and gay. Impossible to compare her
with Madame Mathilde : she is heaven, this one the
earth."
" Then the man cannot be Henri ! "
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT. 137
" Certainly it is he."
"Are they alone together?"
"All alone, like turtle-doves. Madame or mad-
emoiselle eats peaches, throws side glances at Segel,
laughs and sings."
" I must see it with my own eyes," said Jacob.
The friends approached the inn, and Jacob soon as-
sured himself that it was Henri, accompanied by an
unknown woman with all the fascinations of an opera-
dancer.
He was about leaving when Henri Segel saw him,
saluted him gayly, and drew near.
" Is that you? " cried he* "You have caught me
in flagrante delicto. Poor Mathilde is sick. She
returned to Genoa after having accompanied me as
far as Nervi. She will remain there quietly for a
fortnight. As for myself, I needed distraction, and, by
chance, I met an old acquaintance, la Signora Gigante,
a French opera- dancer, who is the best of company.
Bored and wearied as I am by the monotony of life,
I seized this occasion to enjoy myself. One must
laugh sometimes. Gigante is as simple-hearted and
gay as a child. You have no' idea how amusing she
is. She has drawn me from the monotony of my ex-
istence."
He confessed all this naturally and without em-
barrassment.
Jacob, stupefied, could hardly believe his ears, and
knew not what to reply.
" Mathilde," added the husband, " as you know, is the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
138 THE JEW.
most beautiful and accomplished of women ; but such
ideal creatures are fatiguing. It is not always agree-
able to talk of serious things in a solemn tone. A
man occupied as I am needs sometimes to breathe
easily. Gigante is an admirable clown in petticoats.
Come, come, you will sup with us. You will laugh !
You will be amused, I assure you."
Jacob felt a great wrath grow in him. He laughed
savagely.
"I accept willingly," said he ironically; "life is
made only for amusement."
Gigante, no longer able to repress her curiosity,
drew near in order to ascertain who the two strangers
were that examined her with so much curiosity. Her
attention was bestowed principally on Jacob, as Ivas,
poorly clad, promised little. She tripped toward them
singing, and the refrain echoed in the street in bursts
of gayety.
" Je suis seule depuis longtemps,
Seule, seulette.
Eh, je suis veuve en mon printemps,
Veuve et fiUette;
Pas d'espoir d'horizon vermeil
Pour moi seulette,
II manque a mon del ton soleil,
Veuve et fillette."
Segel began to laugh on hearing this couplet, which
she accompanied with very expressive gestures. With-
out finishing the song she began to sing another, the
melancholy words of which clashed with the joyous air.
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VOYAGE ON FOOT. 139
** Elle a perdu son tourtereau,
Pauvre tourterelle !
Elle erre seule au bord de Teau
En trsunant son aile;
Elle fuit les nids aux chansons
Que Pamour ^p^le;
Elle fuit les fleurs des buissons
Sans attrait pour elle;
£t se baign6 dans le ruisseau
Seule mais fiddle.
Quel tounnent ! plus de tourtereavi !
Pauvre tourterelle ! "
By a lively pantomime she acted the poor turtle-
dove. The lost turtle-dove was, without doubt, Henri
Segel, who almost burst his sides laughing. The
signora after this exhibition drew near her cavalier,
who presented the two gentlemen.
" Ah ! Signori Polachi ! I like the Poles exceed-
ingly," cried she, turning toward Jacob. ** E Viva
la pavera Pologna / Ah, ah, ah ! Is it true that
in your country it is so cold that sometimes the fowls
freeze in winter, and do not thaw out until spring ?
Bologne — Pologne ; same thing, isn't it? Have you
been at Genoa? Did you go to the theatre? I dance
and I sing at Carlo Felici. I am at the head of the
chorus. I am promised before long the r61e of
mezzo-soprano. Have you seen me play the sorceress ?
No? That's too bad."
"Dear Gigante," interrupted Henri, "if you tell
everything at once there will be no more to say."
" I know more songs than any one else," replied she
Digitized by VjOOQIC
140 THE JEW.
gayly. " I have a throat full. And if I can find no
more to say, I can look at these gentlemen. That
will drive you wild with jealousy."
" But I am not jealous."
" How ! Not jealous? You ought to be if you love
me. That is a part of the r61e."
"We will love each other — until Lucca."
" What matters it ? Before we arrive at Lucca you
will be dead in love. And you, messieurs, artists who
go on foot, where are you going will you permit me to
ask?"
" We go to Pisa."
"To Pisa? A dead city, a great cemetery. The
Amo is like a dirty old ditch. You had better come
with us to Lucca. There I will give you all three a fig
and adieu."
Then she commenced to sing again a merry song.
Jacob listened, and a feeling of weakness came over
him ; his brow was clouded, and, without replying, he
left this joyous company, giving a headache as an
excuse, and leaving Ivas to listen to Gigante. He was
overcome with rage and emotion.
The husband of the poor forsaken Mathilde giving
himself up to such distractions ! It was easy to guess
from this scene what her life was. Jacob suffered for
her, and experienced a sensation of chagrin that he
had not remained in Genoa where he could have been
alone with her.
But soon he blushed at the thought that he would
have dared to profit by the absence of Henri. " All
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VOYAGE ON FOOT,
141
is for the best," thought he. ** I ought not to trouble
her repose by my presence, for that would open old
wounds in her heart, as in mine. Destiny has sepa-
rated us. Great duties are before me. Her sadness
increases. We have no right to glide into a paradise
the entrance to which is forbidden. Fate urges me
with an implacable lash. Let us go ! *'
Ivas returned to his lodgings late that night, after
copious libations and a thousand jokes with the
coquette, Gigante, who could not conceive any one
indifferent to her, and had tried to interest them both
at the same time. Signor Enrico, during his little
affair, had given himself the name of Don Fernando,
so as to pass for a Spaniard. He was very proud of
the conquest, and acted as foolishly as his companion.
Ivas carolled, as he entered, a verse of a song he
had learned from Gigante. He was troubled and
ashamed when he saw Jacob reading the Bible. It
was his custom when he was sad to read the Prophets,
the Psalms, and the Book of Job.
Ivas went to bed, but Jacob continued reading until
at last the feeble light of the lamp forced him to
cease. He arose and walked up and down the room,
lost in deep and painful thoughts.
Ivas could not sleep. Sympathy with his sorrowing
friend and a little shame on his own part kept him
awake.
" Have you been in Dresden? " asked Jacob.
" Yes," replied he, without understanding the reason
of this question.
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142 THE JEW.
" You have then seen a poem of Israel's past, a sor-
rowful poem of which the foolish debauchery of to-day
awakened in me a remembrance. I speak of the
* Jewish Cemetery/ by Ruysdael."
" I have seen that picture/' replied Ivas. " It ter-
rified me, but I could not comprehend it. It is an
enigma that fills one with sadness."
"One can remain hours before the canvas," said
the Jew, " contemplating it with an impression of
wonder. It is so sad, and, like the story of Atrides,
stamped with the seal of an inexorable fate. But I
love better the tears that one sheds at the sight of this
work of a great artist, than the laughter which came out
of the mouth of the debauched Henri, representative,
as he* is, of a generation stupefied by riches, petrified
by gold. Marvellous creation, this piece of canvas
where nothing appears at first but sombre clouds and
black trees torn by the tempest ! Examine it more
closely : a lowering sky, some rocks/ a group of myste-
rious trees, a brook which forces its way over the un-
even ground. The picture reproduces only common
things, but with an inconceivable force of expression.
This wonderful artist, Ruysdael, this painter of rocks,
ruins of convents and chateaux, of forests and lakes,
has never better proved his genius than in his * Ceme-
tery,' where he rises to the height of an epic poem.
No other painter has such eloquence, such beauty,
such majesty ; not even the brilliant Claude Lorraine,
who plays so skilfully with light and shade ; nor Salva-
tor Rosa, with his striking caverns and brigands. Tke
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VOYAGE ON FOOT.
H3
'Jewish Cemetery' is like a page out of the history of
a people who do not find repose even in the tomb.
Two figures only are faintly delineated ; nothing else
but the oaks, and the torrent which carries away on its
bosom the bones torn from the earth.
" Fate pursues the Jew even in his last repose.
Wishing to give an idea of the misfortunes of these
people, the artist could not have done better than by
showing us this graveyard, where, praying in a dark
comer, two men wait until the fury of the tempest
shall cease and the sun reappear. A single white
flower springing from the soil gives hope of the re-
turn of springtime.
" At the end of the seventeenth century, when this
masterpiece was produced, the sun for us had long
rested behind the clouds, and the poor flower, emblem
of brighter days, had scarcely budded.
" The picture is a history of the Israelites in Europe
in the past. To-day our history is the bourse, and it
were better to weep over the tombs than over our
waning dignity."
The next day Ivas awoke early in order to prepare
for their journey, but did not find his friend. The
woman of the house told him that he had gone toward
the sea at daybreak with a book in his hand. The
morning was superb. Over the tranquil sea glided
the fishing-boats with drooping sails. The sun gilded
the waves, whose brilliant azure transported the imag-
ination to the land of fairies. Seated on a rock not
far from the inn, Jacob, forgetting his book, pensively
contemplated the beautiful scene.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
144 ^^^ S^Eiv,
Ivas felt some hesitation about interrupting a rev-
ery which drew him from the world, but the heat
was already increasing, and it was necessary to set out
before the morning was further advanced. After an
instant of thought he wished his friend " Good-morn-
ing ! " Jacob raised his head.
"What need is there," said he, "of such haste?
Why not remain, at least, a day on this beautiful shore ?
We can rest here, and go on with fresh energy."
"As you will. Our journey will be only one day
longer. You ought, like Antaeus, to draw new strength
from our common mother. Earth and Nature. I will
not conceal from you, however, the impatience that
grows upon me to return to that land whose sorrows
I prefer to the delights of any other. There no one
awaits me; there is nothing for me but shadow.
Nevertheless, my soul is on fire when I think of my
native land."
" The sentiment is not strange to me. I, also, love
your fatherland."
"Why, then, do not your brothers think as you?"
"A difficult question. Think how sad was the
situation of the Jews there in the last century, and
even recently. Like lepers, we were distinguished by
our costume, we were banished to the interior of the
country, and all the rights of man were denied us.
All Christians were at liberty to molest us without
punishment ; injuries and outrages were showered on
us. Such conditions could not develop in the Jews,
love of a country or its institutions. It even restrained
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VOYAGE ON FOOT,
H5
in our hearts love of humanity in general, — that
humanity which would not receive us, but set us aside
as if under a ban."
" I am no admirer of the Middle Ages," said Ivas.
"But tell me, where have the Jews had an easier
existence relatively than in Poland ? Nowhere ; and
the proof of it is that they are more numerous there
than elsewhere. They come from distant lands to
settle among us. Persecution has sometimes attacked
them, but, in general, the law has protected them.
Polish fanaticism has been intermittent, and not con-
tinual as in other parts of Christendom."
" I admit all that. But whence comes the abate-
ment of persecution? It is because we are to-day
much less Jews, and you less Christians. Extreme
religious anlour produced horrible results ; who knows
if the complete absence of belief will not be more
pernicious still for humanity. My desire is to pre-
serve the people of Israel from the malady of the age.
Yesterday Henri showed us where freedom from all
duty leads. This man deserts his sick wife, and runs
over the country with a silly woman. A weakness,
you will say, perhaps. No ; for in that case he would
have been ashamed of his conduct, and he did not
even blush when, by chance, we met him with his
Gigante. As he sees things, it is all simple and per-
fectly natural. A being capable of acting thus and
affecting such cynicism is deprived of all moral sense."
After a moment he continued : —
" I have travelled over the Old World. I have vis-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
146 THE JEW,
ited Palestine and the Orient; I have slept in the
tents of the Bedouins. I have visited the Musselmans
in the cities. Irreligion is creeping in even among
the pilgrims to Mecca. M^y make the pilgrimage
more from ostentation than from piety. Among
Christians there are fewer believers than traders in
beliefs. In France, Catholicism is the tenet of a
lame political party, but is not carried out in their ac-
tions. Its defenders are the condotiieri \ they com-
bat for a faith which they do not carry in the depths
of the heart. They confess, perhaps, for the sake of
example, but surely they do not pray. In revenge,
they fling the worst insults at their adversaries, the ad-
vocates of free thought, all in the name of religion.
Social order is in ruins. It will be replaced by some-
thing better, I hope ; but while waiting, the old struc-
tures will waver, the columns will be overthrown, the
altars will fall. Once the past is destroyed, we will
need a Messiah, a Saviour ! "
"You are pitiless," cried Ivas. "Ruins every-
where, it is true ; I, also, believe there will be a new
order of things. But it will come by progress and not
after a cataclysm by a Saviour that you already see,
and that you announce.'*
"Let us change the subject," said Jacob. "The
future is God's secret. Our destiny, imfortunate mor-
tals, is to live in an era of transition."
" To return to our journey. Shall we rest here or
push on farther? "
" Remain here. I am fatigued to-day. I need to
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VOYAGE ON FOOT.
H7
draw new strength from reading, talking, and think-
ing. I will listen to the dashing of the surf upon these
rocks ; the ocean, perhaps, will tell me something."
" You are ill. I am sorry ; far from gaining, your
malady increases ; it is easy to guess the cause. You
regret not having remained in Genoa, where lan-
guishes your beloved."
" That is to judge me very base. I could not have
offered her my society. My sadness comes from the
conviction that her husband is unworthy of her. I
know how she must suffer, and what her existence is,
chained to such an animal."
" Alas, there is no remedy ! "
" Then it is better not to speak of it."
Jacob closed his book, and returned to the inn with
his companion.
The day was passed in various discussions. They
saw no more of Henri and his danseuse. The couple
had left for Spezia, a new reason for Jacob to rest on
his route so as not to encounter them.
In the evening they went again to sit by the sea.
" I am not yet," said Ivas, " completely satisfied
with your history; have you no more to tell me?
You have given me only the detached leaflets."
" Why? Because the book is not worth the trouble
of being read entire. That would take too much
time. There are many details that would fetigue you.
Be content, then, with the principal facts and the re-
flections which they suggest ; but I will go on, as you
desire it.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
148 THE JEW,
" I worked in the counting-house daring the
greater part of the day. I found it necessary after-
ward to cultivate my relations with society, to extend
my study of the world and of character. I went out
almost every evening, and often Mathilde and her
father accompanied me. A part of every night was
consecrated to the study of the Bible and the Talmud.
From the first days of my existence in Warsaw, one
man attracted my regard and inspired my sympathy.
This was my guardian's brother, Simon Borah.
"The brothers had no love for each other. Simon
was not a practical man ; he had lost a part of his for-
tune, and his business did not prosper. For the
reason that he was obliged to aid his brother occa-
sionally, my guardian disliked him still more. In a
word, these two men had not one single point of
resemblance.
" Simon, though incredulous like his brother, was
sentimental, whimsical, full of heart. He formed
attachments easily. Frivolous, and even at times
childish, he redeemed himself in the eyes of the
world by a sarcastic wit and caustic argument; his
satire attacked every one, even his brother.
"Simon had been married twice. Both of his
wives were dead. He was still gallant toward the
fair sex, and he was in great demand in the sa/ons,
for it was difficult to find a more charming man.
He was feared a little also on account of his caus-
tic tongue. Without religion himself, he sought those
who were believers. He spared no one, but at
Digitized by VjOOQIC
VOYAGE ON FOOT. 149
heart acquitted all men^ a tear in his eye and a
smile on his lips. He let himself be ridiculed by
men who were &r fiom being his equals, and
thereby carried his point; he vesembkd in these
moments some monstrous animal which could not
contain itself. Full of contradictions, he was logi-
cal with himself. Christian with the Jews, and
Jew with the Christians, it pleased him to appear
paradoxical. Impressionable in a high degree, he
interested himself deeply to-day in things to which
he was completely indiflferent to-morrow. He had
one great quality, that of never lying. When he
could not answer frankly he covered his words with
adroit sarcasm, or often was silent.
"My guardian, who observed all the proprieties
minutely, wrangled continually with this original who
revolted against all restraint.
" Small of stature, with mean features and yellow
skin, with a quick step, he was very ugly, but of an
expressive and intelligent ugliness ; such is the physi-
cal portrait of Simon Borah.
"He took a great fancy to me in spite of my
religious sentiments, which I did not try to conceal. I
knew he watched me closely, and I wished to deserve
his good opinion. Each day his friendship increased.
His penetrating glances soon divined my love for
Mathilde without my ever having spoken.
" One day when we were alone he suddenly turned
to me and said he wished to ask me a question.
" ' What is it. Father Simon? ' said I.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
150 THE JEW,
" ' You are sorrowful ? ' asked he.
" ' No, I assure you.*
" * I can read love in your eyes. Who is the object?
Is it the English governess, Miss Burnet? The thing
is not improbable; they say that withered flowers
exhale the sweetest perfumes. Still there is another
charming person in the house.*
" He saw that the blood rushed to my face, and
continued : —
" * Between ourselves, I know your secret. Let me
recall to you an official phrase of our very august sov-
ereign, Alexander II., in his interview with the Poles :
" No brooding over the past 1 " Your guardian is a
practical man and has high aims.'
" ' It is you who dream, Father Simon.'
" ' Don't try to deceive me ! You are in love, my
boy.'
" ' Well, if I am, that will be — but that is not so ' —
" * Very fine. I know what you wish to say. Be-
lieve me, the best thing for you is to get over it as
soon as possible. Do not play with fire, for
" This fruit so sweet
Is not for you." *
" ' Never has such an idea come into my head.'
" ' I should say the same if I were you. You will
be wise to renounce all hopes.'
"Our conversation ceased there. He left some
days after for the baths, and when he returned he
found Mathilde betrothed. When he saw me he looked
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VOYAGE ON FOOT,
'51
at me out of the, comers of his eyes, and read proba-
bly on my face the resignation and the suffering so
well concealed, for he shook my hand without saying
a word.
" Two days after he met me on the street, and whis-
pered in my ear : ' The law of nature is that the most
beautiful fruits shall be eaten by the worms.' Then
he went away before I could reply. He loved Ma-
thilde very much, and foresaw her fate, but he well
knew that it was useless to speak to a brother who did
not allow sentiment to interfere with calculation.
" I devoted myself to business assiduously, hoping
to forget my sorrow thereby. In the mean while, an
unexpected change came to me. I could at last obtain
the independence so long desired.
" As I owed all to my guardian's bounty, I had been
obliged to conform my life to his ideas, and to obey
his orders. Study was full of attraction to me, but I
had no time to devote to it except in the evenings.
My cousin intended to send me soon to some foreign
post, where I would be employed as a correspondent
in the office for one of his partners. To travel, to
observe, would instruct me, and I was not averse to
going ; but I would have preferred to travel at liberty.
Therefore you can well imagine that it seemed like a
special grace from heaven to be delivered like a mira-
cle from my chains, and to become master of myself
and of my actions. It was near the time of Mathilde's
marriage, when word came from my guardian to come
immediately to his office.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
152 THE JEW,
" I feared some misfortune, when I saw him walking
up and down the room with a cloudy face.
" * Do you know what has happened? * said he.
" * J have heard nothing new.'
" * Then I will be the first one to congratulate you.
Your distant relation, Moses Hermann, of Berlin, who
has no children, as you know, has died and left you all
his fortune. Ought I to rejoice ? No, I regret it, for
I lose in you a man that I wished to form on my^wn
ideas.*
" I remained stupefied.
" ' What do you think of it ? ' asked he.
" ' I can hardly reply. For a long time I have de-
sired to travel, and I hope to set out soon.'
" ' You are at liberty to do so. I am happy to have
given you an education which renders you worthy of
this unexpected fortune. It is wonderful ! Moses
saw you only once or twice.'
" He shrugged his shoulders, and I hastened to my
room to think over my good fortune and to collect
my thoughts. The news had already travelled abroad,
and persons in the city who had never noticed me
before received me now with cordiality, and proffered
me the warmest friendship.
" Mann kissed me publicly on both cheeks and pre-
dicted a splendid future for me. He even invited me
to breakfast, a thing he had never done before. Others
tried to persuade me that they had loved me from the
depths of their hearts from time immemorial. From a
nobody I became a marked man and a welcome guest.
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153
The will of Moses had made a great change in my
life. This Moses Hermann had been in Warsaw soraf
months before. A near relative of my mother's, he
was unknown to me, and I then saw him for the first
time. My guardian, knowing that he was a widower
and without direct heirs, had some thoughts of a
marriage between him and Mathilde, but this union
was distasteful to an old man of seventy years. During
liis stay in Warsaw I saw him every day. Under his
reserve, I thought I had discovered in him an Israelite
of the old school. Born and brought up in Germany,
he was a type almost unknown among us, of an edu-
cated and polished man who was not at all ashamed
of his Hebrew origin. In many respects he was a
German. It is well known^ what an important role
the Jews play in German^nHn literature, music, the
sciences, and politics. H4*>elonged to this group,
grave, serious, a thinker, i?rtJ*e thought is not stifled
by practical life. He love^5)9etry ; he even devoted
some leisure moments to the muse himself, but did
not write in the style of Henri Heine, whose genius
he nevertheless admired. He informed me of the
actual situation of our co-religionists, and of their
waning faith. My guardian had recommended me to
him ironically as an ardent Talmudist, which was an
exaggeration. The visitor was curious to examine me
on this subject. I answered him with entire frank-
ness, and unfolded to him my convictions and my
programme for the future. Irritated by the sneers of
my guardian, I explained to him all my thoughts on
Digitized by VjOOQIC
154 ^^^ JEW,
Judaism, perhaps with some exaltation. Moses listened
to me attentively, though he said nothing, and we did
not resume the subject, for he left suddenly the next
day.
" Great was my astonishment at this bequest. In
the will there was not a single obligatory clause. The
wording was short and concise. The motive which
was inexplicable to others was clear to me. It was a
sacrifice made to the ideas which he approved and
shared.
" My guardian, who had expected this fortime him-
self, spoke of the deceased with bitterness and accused
him of ingratitude.
" On this memorable day I met Father Simon.
" ' It is too bad,' cried he, ' that the honest Moses
did not die some months sooner. To-day it is the
mustard after dinner, is it not? Nothing comes in
time. However, perhaps it is for the best. I con-
gratulate you, and I hope you will not be intoxicated
by your sudden fortune.'
" Really the surprise did intoxicate me somewhat,
in spite of myself. Men appeared to me from a new
point of view ; their baseness disgusted me, since now
that I was rich they treated me so differently from
when in poverty. It was impossible for m€ to ac-
cept all their invitations or to escape their attentions ;
I repelled them, however, with great interior con-
tempt.
'^ As my guardian had told me that I was free to
dispose of myself, I resolved to go abroad. Since
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VOYAGE ON FOOT,
155
then I have travelled, and I return home with the
firm determination of serving my brothers and my
countrymen."
Ivas sighed.
"You are happy," said he; "free, rich, and at
liberty to do as you please. Your education, your
character, your force of mind, will enable you to ac-
complish great things."
** Listen," cried Jacob, taking his arm, " we will
labor together to serve our countrymen. I am pre-
pared for it."
A light shone in Ivas' eyes, but he repressed the
transports of his soul.
"I thank you," replied he at last, with a sad smile
on his lips, " but it will first be necessary to return to
Poland. Our country is on the eve of important
events. Impatience devours me."
" Me, also," said Jacob. " Yet I do not share your
presentiments. There are some events that I would
rather avoid than hasten. We will speak of this
later."
The next day they continued their journey. Rest-
lessness incited them. At Spezia they took the dili-
gence and gained a railway station. They travelled
quickly through Italy and Austria, and soon arrived at
the frontier of what is called the Russian Empire.
It is to-day the only European State, if one can call
it thus, where there exists no security for any one. If
one goes on foot, one is exposed at the caprice of an
administration, on the least suspicion, or from 9, false
Digitized by VjOOQIC
156 THE JEW,
accusation, if not to death, to imprisonment of long
duration, spoliation, or torture. It is better to fall
into the hands of Calabria than into those of the
functionaries of the Russian government. A country
where, with the exception of the rights of the strong-
est, there are no rights; where reigns a band of
beings, a little polished but not civilized ; where the
insatiable tools of brute force do not make any ac-
count of man, of his dignity, of his age, of his merits,
of his sufferings; is it not rather an immense and
frightful dungeon? The unfortunates who have es-
caped from its prison doors become the sport of the
towns and villages. Before entering, a man was a man.
He is now no more than the subject, the slave, not of a
single autocrat, but of some hundreds of ferocious
despots, each individual a greedy representation of
the unlimited power of the Czar. On its Russian
barriers one can read the inscription of Dante :
'* Lasciate ogni speranza voi ch'entrate,^' "Who
enters here leaves hope behind."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE SABBATH.
157
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SABBATH.
A SMALL hamlet near Warsaw. A spacious, empty
market-place, on one side of which is a modest church
and long cemetery wall ; on the other a row of old
and new houses of wood and brick, inhabited chiefly
by Israelites. One of these, more conspicuous, rises
above the others with a certain arrogance. On the
ground floor, a grocery. On the front two lions,
recalling by their sculpture Assyrian art. In their
paws a vase of flowers and the figures i860, no doubt
the date of the restoration of the house. An eating-
house with an open door is at the side.
Almost all the business of the village centred about
this dwelling, a sufficient proof that the proprietor was
an important person. It was a Friday evening ; on
the upper floors preparations were being made to
celebrate the day consecrated to God in the Old
Testament.
Provisions of all kinds covered the kitchen table.
Women kept watch over a roast goose, a baked fish,
while pastry and other dishes were cooking in the
blazing oven. The chambers were being set in order,
brooms flourished everywhere, and the candlesticks
were filled with candles.
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158 THE JEW,
Already the venerable Janki^ Meves had returned
from the bath. He hastened to put on his best
garments, although the sun was far from setting ; he
had eaten little during the day, so as to do more
honour to the blessed supper. While waiting, he
reviewed in his memory all the events of the past
week, seeking any violation of the sacred laws so as to
efface them by sincere repentance.
Jankiel was an Israelite of the old school. It would
have been very easy for him to have gained a more
elevated position, owing to his wealth, his intelligence,
and his connections; but he refused to put off his
costume and to abandon his religious observances.
The noise of women's jests came to his ears from the
kitchen below. His wife, Rachel, fat, mature, and
rosy, kneaded three little white loaves, some of which
she was careful to reserve apart for the Khallah. The
good woman, after having washed her hands, had care-
fully taken a portion of the dough, whispering the
prayer used on such occasions : " Praised be Jehovah
our God, King of the world ! It is from thee that we
hav6 received our sacred laws, and it is thou who hast
ordered us to k^p the Khallah ! "
As there was only one family and one baking,
Rachel threw only one Khallah into the fire. In
another part of the kitchen was in preparation a stuffed
pike, a favourite dish of the Israelites, recommended
by tradition for the Sabbath day. At the same time
roasts and other dishes were cooking. On this day
of rejoicing economy is not thought of.
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THE SABBATH,
159
The master of the house inspected himself the
freshly washed dishes, the shining knife, and the clean
stewpans.
The hour arrived for the preparatory prayers of the
celebration, with the Ten Commandments in Hebrew
and in Chaldaic, a chapter of the Prophets applicable
to the day of the year, and the 93d Psalm.
What a profound impression can be produced on
an oppressed people by this last song of the Psalmist,
which commands patience, and promises God's ven-
geance against oppressors.
Jankiel recited the prescribed prayers, and, as he
had yet time, he opened the Talmud and fell on a
passage of the Book Berakhat. The reading plunged
him in meditation. His thoughts went back to the
days of intense persecution ; he wept, and thanked
God that, in spite of captivity, dispersions, tortures,
and oppression. He had miraculously preserved His
people until the present day. Whence came this
miracle, from the observance of the law.
The time of prayers over, custom wills that the
master of the house shall throw a last glance on the
festive preparations; and, although he had entire
confidence in Rachel, the Jew visited the kitchen,
touched the dishes, and blessed in thought the nourish-
ment about to be served. Then he returned to his
chamber and read the Song of Solomon.
The sun disappeared, and the candles were lighted.
The solemn hour of the coming of the Sabbath ap-
proached.
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l6o THR JEW.
The table was carefully set, and Rachel appeared
in a toilette of velvet ornamented with pearls. Her
daughters were dressed less elegantly, but with much
taste, and the servants even were in their best.
The time came to go to the synagogue, and Jankiel
descended the stairs, Rachel following him with an
enormous volume under her arm. Her daughters
accompanied her, and behind came the servants.
That no one from this house must miss service was
the rule of this Israelite.
The crowd filled the court in front of the temple ;
rich and poor, devout followers of Mosaism, were mixed
together, and the chorister intoned the prayer Achre.
The service was long. Jankiel's face wore an ex-
pression of sad preoccupation, and when he returned
home he had, in spite of this day of rejoicing, a
clouded brow and a discontented air. At times he
looked at Lia, his younger daughter, who awaited with
fear and trembling her mother's commands.
She was a charming girl, whose features expressed
innocence and sensibility of heart. Her eyes sparkled
with the fires of youth, though they were now clouded
by recent tears, and she looked at her father as if
frightened.
Rachel recited with her elder daughter the pre-
scribed prayers while lighting the candles. ' Other
prayers followed, some whispered, some uttered in a
loud voice. The sacred songs echoed through the
brilliantly lighted house, and the women read Hebrew
books.
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THE SABBATH, . i6i
Jankiel absented himself to return to the synagogue,
and Rachel assisted her daughters to finish the prepara-
tions for the feast. She placed on the table, covered
with a white cloth, two white loaves made by herself
wrapped in a snowy napkin, in remembrance of the
manna of the desert, the napkin representing the Hew.
Returned home, Jankiel pronounced several in-
vocations, and his two daughters besought his blessing.
He extended his hands to the elder, but when the
time came for Lia he hesitated a moment, and his
voice trembled faintly in pronouncing the benediction
for the second time.
" May God make Rachel and Lia like Sara and like
Rebecca ! "
The mother in her turn blessed her children, em-
braced them, and shed some tears, which she tried to
wipe off, unobserved, on a comer of her embroidered
apron.
Before going to table a new prayer was addressed
to the angels by Jankiel, then a second repetition of
the Song of Solomon, and reading from the Talmud a
verse chosen at random. Then followed the conse-
cration of the wine and the blessing of broken bread,
the pieces of which were distributed to the guests.
It was thus they commenced the repast ; but, in spite
of the command of Moses to be merry during the
Sabbath, the father seemed to be deeply afflicted.
His glance sought Lia, and the young girl was so con-
fused that she would have liked to conceal herself
under the table.
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j62 • THE JEW,
Carried out according to tradition, the feast had a
solemn character. The supper was half prayer, half
offering, and bore no resemblance to the fashionable
feasts from which God is banished and to which one
does not dream of inviting the angels. Jankiel, a
scrupulous observer of the law, pronounced a last
prayer at the end of the repast. After that they sep-
arated. Rachel went to her bedroom, where Jankiel
soon joined her.
" I am alarmed," said she to her husband ; " you
appear ill. You are not in your usual spirits. You
have not the' tranquillity of the Sabbath. What is
the matter with you?"
" Oh, it will pass away ! Do not speak of it now.
It would sadden this blessed and holy day.*'
His wife said no more.
It is thus that the Sabbath is kept in houses
where the old customs are strictly observed. In most
Jewish families the ritual is abridged, and this tends
to destroy the ancient and patriarchal character of
this consecrated day.
Opposite JankiePs dwelling was a wooden house ;
it was comfortable and convenient, and belonged to
David Seeback. It was toward the windows of this
house that Lia, alone in her chamber, turned her
beautiful eyes. She sighed deeply, and seemed lost
in thought.
David Seeback, father and son, had for many years
followed the profession of money-lenders, a business
which was called usury until the moment when polit-
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THE SABBATH. 163
ical economy decided that to profit by the need of
another is legitimate; and that interest, mutually
agreed, no matter how high, is a permissible thing.
These financiers were neither Jews nor Christians.
They kept in appearance the Jewish laws and customs,
but they attached to them no real importance. David,
the father, gave himself out as a believing Jew to his
co-religionists, but ridiculed all their observances when
he found himself with the Khutars and the Goimes,
He ate anywhere that he happened to be, and
travelled on the days set aside for prayer and repose.
In a word, he had shaken off tradition and found noth-
ing to take its place.
David the younger had received his education in
Warsaw and abroad; he bore no trace whatever of
his origin. Well educated, but very corrupt at heart,
he found in his insatiable cupidity many ways of gain-
ing money. The father was proud of his only scion,
and predicted for him a high destiny ; and this time
the proverb " like father like son " was right.
While the solemn ceremony of the Sabbath was
being kept in the house of Jankiel, the two Davids
lighted their candles and ate their supper, but forgot
the prayers and the offerings of bread and wine.
They were alone.
Long time a widower, Seeback had no other child
but David. A weak character, he jested under all
circumstances, and loved to make a trial of wit with
his son. David the younger sometimes lent himself
to this paternal whim, but, in general, he assumed a
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164 THE JEW,
certain gravity, so as to impose upon people by an
affected wisdom. Hypocrisy was developed in the
family from one generation to another.
With all his indifference to religion, David the elder
felt, on the days consecrated by custom, a certain re-
morse for having abandoned the pious customs ; he
was uneasy and unhappy. Sometimes he glided into
an obscure comer, and murmured a portion of a prayer
that he considered ridiculous to repeat aloud. He be-
lieved that by these clandestine practices he might repel
some imminent danger. He had lost all respect for
Jehovah, but he feared him still. Several times on this
evening he arose from the table, and, at the risk of in-
curring his son's sneers, muttered in his sleeve some
prayer. He had even simulated the blessing of the
wine when he presented it to his heir, who, with a cer-
tain tact, feigned not to notice all his grimaces. The
younger David had a distinguished manner, but his
features expressed pride and foppery.
The father increased these faults by praises, and his
admiration almost reached idolatry. He asked nothing
in return but filial gratitude. The young man made
very little account of his father, and reproached him
continually for infractions of the laws of good society
and for his ignorance. The old man at first essayed
to justify himself, but always finished by bowing to the
superior wisdom of David, junior. This insolent cox-
comb was seated at table in a dressing-gown, with a
cigar in his mouth. He wore gold spectacles, though
they really hindered him from seeing. Fish was served,
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THE SABBATH. 165
the only vestige of traditional customs, then a roast
and tea. The old man cut the bread, muttering some
unintelligible words ; but he perceived a look of disdain
from his son, and did not finish the prayer. There
was a long silence, which the father broke by asking the
young man, who had stretched himself out in a chair :
" What do you dream of ? Of the Sabbath ? "
" All that I know of the Sabbath is," replied David
the younger, " that formerly they celebrated it. To-
day it is foolish, a foolish custom, and it is old Jankiel
alone who observes the ridiculous ceremonies. Un-
fortunately, ridicule makes no impression on him."
" Would you, then, mock him? "
" Why not ? This wretched, vulgar Jew feels for us
only malevolence and repulsion."
" What matters it ? He cannot injure us. His ill-
will cannot make us lose one thing or another."
" That is true. And I would not have even noticed
his aversion had he not such a pretty daughter."
" How now I What are you thinking of ? Do not
forget that you are already married, although you do
not live with your wife. Do not plunge yourself in a
love affair. There are plenty of girls who will suit
you better than that lass. Even if you wish to be
divorced, you must not dream of her. We can easily
find for you the daughter of some Polish proprietor. If
you take a second wife, you must look as high as pos-
sible, and for one not a Jewess. Am I not sufficiently
rich to buy a property grand enough to make all the
neighbouring aristocracy jealous?"
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l66 THE JEW,
" I do not want land. Why invest in property that
does not return four per cent., when we can now get
twenty or thirty?"
"You are right, and you are wrong. Our capital
brings in, it is true, the interest you name, but at the
same time we run the risk of losing it. When one has
acquired so immense a fortune as ours, it does not do
to expose all of it in the same speculations. Land can-
not run away. The banks give four and a half per
cent. ; but even the banks can fail. One cannot sleep
easy with much money in the banks. The public
funds? They are depressed. I continually fear a dec-
laration of war. Land is really the safest investment."
" Not as safe as you think. The land can be taken
from us."
"By whom?"
"We are not in France, or England, where property
is sacred. Our government offers no security. No
one is secure here."
" A very profound poHtical thought, and one worthy
of being remembered. I render homage to your per-
spicacity ; but suppose even that half of the land was
confiscated, the other half would increase in value.
That is indisputable, while paper may be worth noth-
ing to-morrow. Let us return to your future marriage.
The first was unworthy of you ; it must be dissolved.
But why the devil do you dream of Lia ? She did well
for herself to fall in your way. She is a Jewess, and,
though she is not bad looking, beauty is not every-
thing. What a figure she would make in your salon,
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THE SABBATH, 167
this country maiden who knows not how either to stand
or to sit. Your second wife must be a woman wno
has received a refined education. She must be of
noble birth, that she may shine at court. And could
Lia do that? A simple country girl ! "
"Nevertheless," objected David, "it is not for my
salon that I wish to marry. I myself prefer a simple
and innocent girl to all the fashionable ladies of Warsaw,
who, having had eleven adorers, marry the twelfth."
"You talk foolishly. To think thus is the part of a
common Jew, who only dreams of multipl)dng and
filling the earth according to the command of the
Bible. Your wife ought to push your fortunes. Through
your education and your fortune you cannot fail to
become a celebrated man. And what would you do
then with Lia? Take her to a ball, or to the theatre?
Truly, she would do you honour ! If some great per-
son noticed her, she would be confused and embar-
rassed, sucking her apron to hide her face. There are
hundreds of Jewesses like that. You must take an
educated wife, German or French. With your brains,
and my money, you can aspire to anything. It would
not be astounding for you to become minister, and
then " —
He threw out his arm, and extinguished a candle.
He arose to light it, but, suddenly remembering that
this was the Sabbath day, a superstitious fear came
over his spirit. He remained standing, not knowing
what to do.
Seeing his father*s hesitation, his son left his cbair-
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l68 THE JEW.
and was bold enough to relight the candle. After this
act of courage he reseated himself, and puffed his cigar
with a malicious air.
His father loved to smoke, but, as he dared not
infringe the law, he always deprived himself of that
pleasure on the Sabbath, under pretext of some
trifling indisposition. When the candle was relighted,
an infraction of the Jewish law, he at first regarded it
with fear, but soon regained his normal state, and
continued to explain his theories on marriage.
" Lia cannot hope for a great fortune," said he.
" Estimating JankiePs wealth at its highest, — house,
manufactory, and shop, — he scarcely possesses a
hundred, or a hundred and twenty thousand roubles.
What is that? A mere trifle to us ! "
" And we," asked the young man, to tease his father,
"have we not enough money? "
" How can such a word come out of your mouth?
Has one ever enough ? With money one does as he
wills ; without it, with all the intelligence in the world,
one is only a fool. T will try to find you a rich wife.
Think no more of Lia."
"What if I love her?"
"Love her? Your love will only be like a fire of
straw ; the faster it bums, the sooner it will die out.
A sensible man does not marry for love and for the
bright eyes of a young girl."
David, junior, burst out laughing, and his father was
exceedingly proud of this mark of approbation from
one whQ was usually so di^d^unful,
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THE SABBATH. 169
Satisfied with themselves, they were about to retire
to their rooms, when they heard loud knocks on the
outer door.
The thing was so extraordinary at this hour of the
right, that the old man experienced a sensation of
anxiety and foreboding, which changed to one of
surprise when he saw at the door a man of fine
appearance and of commanding stature, whom he did
not recognize at first sight,
" Messieurs," said the stranger, " I hope you will
pardon this intrusion on a holy day, and at so late an
hour."
" Why, this is Monsieur Jacob ! " cried the old man.
" Our holy law," replied the new-comer, " forbids
all business transactions on the day consecrated to
God, but the law permits us, on such occasions, to
succour even a beast in danger of death ; how much
more, then, a man."
" Dear Monsieur Jacob, we do not belong to that
superstitious class who dare not touch the fire or sew
on a button during the Sabbath. Be seated. What can
we do for you? But pardon me; my son David,
Monsieur Jacob, who is a distant relation, and of
whom you have often heard me speak," added he,
presenting his son to the visitor.
David, junior, only knew that Jacob had been the
sole legatee of a rich banker of Berlin, but that was
sufficient to cause him to receive him with distinction.
They invited him a second time to be seated. Jacob
excused himself with a certain impatience.
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lyo THE JEW.
" Perhaps you have not yet supped ? " asked the
master of the house.
" I reached your town somewhat late, and hastened
to fulfil my religious duties. I have been to the
synagogue, then I ate a little at the inn."
" Ah, you go to the temple ! " and turning toward
his son, the old man said : —
" What a good example ! Monsieur Jacob, well
brought up and intelligent, observes the law !"
"Yes," said Jacob, "a Jew I shall always remain.
No doubt in captivity and exile we have added many
ceremonies to the Mosaic law. These are both sweet
and bitter souvenirs. It is good not to let them be
extinguished."
The elder David visibly rejoiced at these words ;
his son smiled and bit his lips.
" Every one ought to follow the dictates of his own
conscience," said he.
" But tell us to what good fortune do we owe your
visit?" asked the father.
" I come to you on account of our relationship,
to demand a service. I met in Italy a young Polish
exile who suffers so much with homesickness that I
brought him here with me. He was poor and ill.
My conscience urged me to aid him. He fled from
Poland several years ago, fearing to be implicated in
a political plot."
" Political affairs ; bad business," grumbled the old
man shaking his head, while his son said nothing.
" He has succeeded in obtaining a passport under ajj
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THE SABBATH.
171
assumed name," continued Jacob, " and he was de-
termined to brave the danger, and accompained me
to Poland. At the frontier he would not accept my
offer to go on with him. For fear of compromising
me if he was arrested, he preceded me so as to enter
his native land alone. Honest youth ! Happily he
passed the frontier, as I learned on arriving two days
later. Scarcely had I passed the custom-house when
I heard that the police had discovered that he was
travelling under an assumed name. I hastened to re-
join him at the station where he was detained, and
secured his release. I come to ask you to shelter him
in your house, which is not suspected by the police,
until I can obtain amnesty for him or find some
other means to rid him. of his pursuers. Otherwise
the unfortunate boy will be sent to Siberia, and perish
like many others of his oppressed countrymen."
The silence with which the two Davids answered his
request showed that they were not inclined to har-
bour the young Pole. The appeal to their senti-
ment of humanity fell on deaf ears. It was the
elder who, with a frown, finally spoke.
"This is a most delicate business," said he,
"and very dangerous. Why not be frank with a
kinsman ? This is not a Jewish affair. What have
we to do with the Poles, or Polish complications?
They have nothing in common with us. The govern-
ment does not persecute us, or, at least, it could
persecute us much more. We are believed to be
loyal and devoted. Why, then, should we expose
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172 THE JEW,
ourselves and alienate this favourable disposition,
by aiding our former oppressors, the Poles? Why
should the Jews meddle with politics? It is not
our business."
"You and I differ in regard to that," replied Jacob.^
" If we wish to enjoy the same rights as other in-
habitants of this country, we ought to commence to
take an interest in politics and in the welfare of the
land. It is only thus that we can expect to live on a
footing of perfect equality. The government has de-
cided to crush out the intelligent and educated Poles.
It certainly belongs to us who eat their bread to make
common cause with them against their oppressors,
who are only conquering intruders. Let us remember
our own captivity."
" Did you not say that the Jews ought to observe
the law above all things ? You contradict yourself, for
the law commands us to protect ourselves, and it is
contrary to our interests to take part with the Poles."
"How do you know that? Can you read the
future ? The iniquities committed against this nation
cannot always remain without vengeance. God has
permitted the chastisement, but the measure is full.
The sins are washed away by tears and by blood ! The
day of justice draws near ! In the day of terrible
retribution it will be better to be with those who have
been purified by divine punishment, and not with those
who have incurred the wrath of God."
" In my turn let me ask, how do you know all
this?" said the elder David. " Is it your prophetic
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TMB SABBATH. 1 73
spirit that tells you ? Have you remembered the sins
of these Philistines, the extortions and the miseries
with which they afflicted us ? Do you know that there
still remains much to expiate ? "
'^ It is not just to make a single nation responsible
for the crimes of all Christians. The Jews have been
persecuted everywhere, and in many lands much worse
than here."
"What good is all this discussion?" cried the
younger David, rising from his chair. " It is nothing
to us who obtains the upper hand. . I do not care to
decide who are the better, the Russians or the Poles.
At least I know how to take a Russian. He is always
easily bought ; at first he is bn^tal and insulting, then
he holds out his hand, and you have only to oil it
with a few pieces of silver, and he becomes sweet and
obliging ; but your Poles do not inspire me with so
much confidence."
Jacob would listen no longer ; he arose, and cried
indignantly : —
" Then, as such are your convictions I will not insist.
I see, with sorrow, that you, as well as others, choose a
selfish policy, and always take sides with the strong
and not with the right."
"The right? The ancient rulers of the country
have not respected us, have they?"
"If r admit that, is it any reason why we should
imitate them to-day? The elect people ought to be
more virtuous than the people they live with, and set
them an example."
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,74 THE JEW,
The younger David began to whistle, and then
said : —
"Who speaks now of virtue and right? In the
world of to-day self-interest is the sole right. Virtue !
Right ! Grand words, in which one no longer be-
lieves." —
The old man bowed before his son's superior
wisdom, and threw a glance full of pride at Jacob,
which seemed to say : —
" How can you reply to that, eh ? "
The friend of Ivas calmly surveyed the young man,
and replied in a grave voice, dwelling on each word ; —
"Unfortunately, you appreciate our epoch at its
true value. However, that which now is cannot
always be. Truth still exists. Our law, thousands of
years old though it may be, is not worn out. Open
our holy books, and you will read therein truths which
have never ceased to be truths, and which will never
cease until the end of the world. Men are corrupt ; faith
has diminished. God will rectify this state of things.
Let us be followers of the ancient law, and not of
present errors. If you have gained by your education
nothing more than the reasoning that you affect, I
sincerely pity you."
On this Jacob ceased, and the old man, before so
calm, became agitated, and looked at his son for a
reply. The serenity of spirit of this man, so firm in
his belief, awoke in him a fear similar to that which
had kept him from relighting the candle on the Sab-
bath,
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THE SABBATH,
175
David, junior, replied coolly : —
" Do not trouble yourself about me, I beg of you.
Monsieur Jacob. Every one to his own opinion. Do
not go yet. Perhaps I can find a way to satisfy your
demand without incurring any risk."
" Thanks. It is weak of me to implore you again
to help an unfortunate whom you so little wish to
succour. Still a few more words. The country is on
the eve of a revolution. The result is doubtful, but it
is an opportunity for us to gain equal rights by the
sacrifice of our blood. Let us profit by it. Many of
my race think as I do."
" Many ? How many ? Who are they ? Do you
know the intentions of the Emperor Napoleon? Are
you in the secrets of Lord Palmerston ? Have you
received the confidences of the Rothschilds?"
" I can only tell you one thing ; it is, that here the
most sensible men are of my opinion."
"And the richest?"
" Yes, the richest also," replied Jacob, with an in-
voluntary smile.
" In that case," said the old man, " we must take
the affair into consideration."
" As for the object of my visit, I regard it a failure.
I can only excuse myself for disturbing you at such an
hour."
Then he turned to go, when the old man called him
back.
"Wait!" cried he. "A glass of wine. David,
bring the three rouble Bordeaux, Deign to taste it.
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1^6 THE JEW.
Monsieur Jacob. Isolated, as we are, in this little
village, we know not how the wind blows. Tell us, is
there anything in contemplation? "
" You had better find out for yourselves, and then
you can decide which party you will aid."
" Those incorrigible Poles ! I fear they are en-
gaging in some new pranks."
" I know nothing," said Jacob. " I can only sur-
mise. The Muscovites themselves have the air of
hastening the explosion of this foolishness to divert
that which threatens their own country, * holy Russia.'
Since the emancipation of the serfs, the situation has
been critical. By kindling a fire in Poland, they re-
light the national hatred, and turn away the public
thoughts from Petersburg and Moscow towards the
provinces. It is the only way, now that the peasants
give proofs of discontent and the revolutionary idea
is propagated, the sole method of reaffirming the
authority of the Czar."
" What admirable teachers ! " cried the old man.
"Profound wisdom like that is the gage of certain
success. Certainly, that is the side we had better
take."
" As a nation," said Jacob, " we have been con-
quered more than once. Always in place of attaching
ourselves to the triumphal chariot, we have remained
faithful to the cause of God."
He then rose to leave for the second time, but the
elder David was ashamed to let his visitor depart
thus.
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THE SABBATH,
177
" What, then, is your proposition? " asked he.
"To shelter under your roof an outlaw. This
village being isolated, the risk is not great."
" Very true," said the younger man ; "but in a
small place like this, where every one is acquainted,
the arrival of a stranger would be remarked."
"Then say no more about it," said Jacob, turning
to go. " A thousand excuses for disturbing you."
This time he really took his departure.
" I am sorry," said the father to the son when they
were alone, " that we did not find some way to
arrange this affair. Jacob has excellent connections.
What will he tell them of us ? Truly, he cannot have
a very good opinion."
" Bah ! I am, perhaps, of your opinion, but we
could not do otherwise. Let us to bed."
The protector of Ivas returned to the inn, and did
not awaken his companion, who was wrapped in a
deep slumber. He threw himself on the bed, and his
thoughts kept him awake the greater part of the
night. He arose early to seek an interview with
Jankiel, whom he did not know personally.
Having introduced himself to the old man, he took
part in the morning prayers, and then told him
frankly that he had long desired his acquaintance,
and that he addressed him full of confidence in his
well-known sentiments.
This frankness pleased Jankiel, who placed his hand
on his visitor's shoulder, and replied kindly : —
" I have heard of you as a man on whom the peo-
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1^8 THE JEW.
pie of Israel can lean with confidence, for, in spite
of your known learning, you guard the ancient faith,
customs, and practices, and honour old age. In all
this you differ from many of our young men. May
the God of Isaac and Jacob bless you ! Learned men
abound, but pious ones are rare. Our customs are
neglected ; they spit on the tombs of our ancestors, and
on all that past ages have taught us to respect."
" I fear I am not possessed of all with which you
credit me, but I try not to disgrace my ancient faith
and lineage."
" And where do you come from now ? "
" From foreign parts. I have visited almost all
countries inhabited by the Jews, and everywhere I
have verified their deplorable misery."
" Have you visited the land of our fathers ? "
" Yes, but even there the Jews are not at home.
They are strangers even in their own country."
At this moment Jankiel remembered a citation
from the Prophet Jeremiah, to which Jacob replied by
the following passage from the Talmud : —
" * The hands of the divine mercy are always out-
stretched under the wings of the Seraphim to receive
the repentant sinner.' " (Pesakhim 119. a.)
Jankiel was enchanted to hear the young man
quote the Talmud, so neglected by the present genera-
tion. He blessed him, with emotion, and said : —
" My heart goes out to you, and I would be glad
to give you a proof of my sympathy. Speak, and tell
me what service you require of me."
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THE SABBATH,
179
" I come to you with a petition that I have al-
ready, but in vain, addressed to David, your neigh-
bour."
At the name of David the old man frowned, but
quickly replied : —
" That need not deter you. I am listening."
Jacob related the history of Ivas, and asked Jan-
kiePs advice.
"The circumstances," replied the old man, after a
moment of thought, " are difficult. We ought, how-
ever, to side with the persecuted and not with the op-
pressor. * Among birds the strongest always attack the
pigeon and the dove, which are the most acceptable
offerings to the Lord.' (Baba Kama, 93. a.) Un-
happy Poland ! We have lived with her people on the
same soil for five hundred years. We ought not to
forget that. It is true she is not of our faith, but God
does not command to kill even infidels. * Be at peace
with all thy brothers, with thy neighbours, with all
men, even the Pagan.' (Barakhot, 17. a.)"
" Beautiful words ! If all observed them the world
would be better."
" Unhappy nation ! She has passed through the
most frightful calamities, and greater horrors still
threaten her. She wishes to break her chains, and at
each attempt these chains are more tightly welded.
God has humiliated her because she has counted more
on human strength than on divine clemency. Her
pride is not yet broken. Poor country ! If we are
unable to help her, at least we can pray God to pro-
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i8o THE JEW.
tect her. Where is the young man? What do you
intend to do with him? "
" Ivas is with me, but I can keep him only with
great trouble. In his ardour he would throw him-
self into the hands of those who seek him. I desire to
procure him shelter for awhile. But where? Will he
be prudent and obedient? I hope I can persuade
him of the necessity."
" If you had not first appealed to David, I would
have received him into my house. Now I dare not.
I have a room in the attic where he would have been
in safety, but it is too late. An accusation is to be
feared. I could buy myself off, but he would be lost."
" Do you not know of some house, some friend, in
the country?"
" Ah ! yes ; I see my way out of this embarrassment.
I know some honest men who live in the depths of
a forest. Early to-morrow I will take him to them
in my wagon. But he must be on his guard."
Jacob embraced Jankiel with effusion.
"Never mind thanking me so warmly," said the
latter with emotion. " I am happy to oblige you, and
also your friend, who loves his country and liberty as
we formerly loved Judea. However, in the name of
Heaven, if you have any influence with the Poles, try
to restrain them. The enemy lies in wait for them,
and already rejoices in anticipation of the spoils and
the cruelties he will accomplish when the anticipated
insurrection has been crushed. There is nothing
gained by setting fire to one's own house in order to
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THE SABBATH, i8l
drive out invaders. They must be wary and use
strategy."
" Your words are full of wisdom, but men are rarely
guided by reason. Suffering and misfortune are bad
counsellors."
Jacob informed Ivas of the result of his visit, and
added : —
" I have done all that I could. Now it is for you
to be careful not to fall again into the claws of the
Muscovite. You will be informed if you are in dan-
ger, so that you can leave your hiding-place."
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l82 THE JEW,
CHAPTER IX.
THE EVE OF AN INSURRECTION.
After his absence of several years, Jacob was sur-
prised at the aspect which Poland presented. An ex-
travagant and foolish hope and excitement prevailed
everywhere. The most improbable rumours were
accepted without question. All hearts rejoiced, and
for the second time all hands were outstretched toward
that France, which was, however, transformed into a
sort of machine, obeying the capricious will of one
man. Wonders were announced from Russia. The
Muscovites were preparing an outbreak, and from this
terrible uprising would come a reconciliation with
Poland.
The tolerance of the government, a feigned and
calculated tolerance, passed for weakness and impo-
tence. Russia, it was said, had changed; she had
weakened, and was no longer capable of repressing a
patriotic rebellion. She was afraid, and the fear was
believed on account of easy concessions, which were
really made in order to precipitate the revolutionary
movement. All this was to the secret satisfaction of
the Czar and his ministers, who directed a course of
action full of ambuscades and of deceit.
The propaganda of Hertzen, Bakounine, Ogaref,
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE EVE OF AN INSURRECTION, 183
Golovine, Dolgorouky, — legatees of the ideas of the
Decabristes, — had not been entirely unsuccessful in
the cause of true Russia, the ancient Moscovie. They
had worked on the youth of the universities, they had
penetrated the army and the navy, they had sprung up
even in the garrets and in the country. The govern-
ment had been obliged to capitulate before them.
They were so strong at present, that it was hoped by
the precipitation of the Polish insurrection to divert
.the public attention from the greater danger which
threatened St. Petersburg and Moscow. Thus the
poor Poles were unconsciously led on to their own
destruction. It was permitted to the Katkof and to
the Aksakof to turn insidiously the aspirations for
liberty into a current of national hatred.
In the last repression of Poland, the Russia of
Alexander II. was more barbarous, more pitiless, than
the Russia of Catharine and of Nicholas. As for
Europe, which was formerly agitated at the sight of
these crushed people, she regarded with cold indif-
ference the hanging of Mouravief, and the wholesale
exile of the people who strewed the route from the
Vistula to the Lena with corpses. Such is the sym-
pathy of Europe in this mercenary age, when self-
interest is too highly esteemed to be endangered by
taking the side of the oppressed.
At times Jacob refused to believe his eyes and ears,
men seemed so different from what he had imagined
them. Their language and their deportment were no
longer the same. His first visit in Warsaw was paid
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184 THE JEW,
to his former guardian. He found him absent, and
it was rumoured, engaged in important enterprises.
On returning from his house he met Henri Segel,
for whom his aversion had augmented since, on the
route from Genoa to Spezzia, he had encountered
him in company with the danseuse Gigante. He
recoiled and blushed on hearing the joyous voice of
Mathilde's husband.
" Really, this is a surprise," said Henri. " You
are more astonished to see me here than in Italy?
Well, we live in changeable times. Mathilde did
not like Italy, and was determined to return to la
cara patria, I consented to come, for urgent busi-
ness made it necessary for me to do so. How de-
lighted I am to see you again. Monsieur Jacob ! I
am on my way home, and willingly or by force you
must come with me. I am anxious to show you my
new residence. It is a lovely house ; a jewel, com-
fortable, elegant, and in good taste. Come and help
me amuse Mathilde. Always sad and weary, she
communicates to me her sadness. She is an incom-
prehensible woman ; in fact, all women are incompre-
hensible. My wife wants for nothing. She has only to
ask in order to obtain silks, jewels, — everything that
would make most women happy. But she is always
discontented ; an unhappy disposition ! Come, let
us go 1 "
" Truly I have not much time. I have only just
arrived, and I have business to attend to."
" Your business will keep. Mathilde will be de-
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THE EVE OF AN ISSURRECTIOS'.
185
lighted to see you. You will be doing her a special
favour. Come, then, I pray you ! "
Jacob felt that he ought to refuse, but the tempta-
tion was too great. To see her again ! Duty for-
bade it, his heart demanded it, and his heart led him.
Henri took his arm as if to prevent his escape,
and conducted him to his home.
"Look well at Warsaw," said he gayly. "What
changes everywhere ! "
" It is true," said Jacob. " These transformations
I feel, but I cannot explain them."
" Enormous changes ! The general exaltation is
complete 1 The hand is on the trigger. A revolu-
tion is imminent."
" May God preserve us from it ! " said Jacob.
" It is inevitable, or else I am a fool. I can smell
powder ; but, in any case, it cannot hurt us. Naturally,
there will be many victims, and it behooves us to
manoeuvre not to be caught in the wheels of this
machine, which rolls and crushes. We have every-
thing to gain, whatever be the result, whichever be
the conqueror."
"I avow that I do not comprehend you."
"From either side we shall obtain civil equality.
That is certain. Afterward we shall not be ruined,
even if we throw millions into the abyss. Our capital
is not seizable like that of the landed nobles, whose
estates can be so easily confiscated, but our wealth is
portable; gold and jewels chiefly comprise it. We
shall save our fortunes, and there lies our strength.
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lS6 THE JEW.
The Muscovites will prevail in the end; the odious
class of proud Polish nobles will disappear, and we
shall be the aristocrats to whom the country will
belong."
"The truth of your calculation may be proved,
perhaps; its cruelty is unsurpassed. With what in-
difference you discount the misfortunes of those who
form the basis of your argument ! " said Jacob.
" What else can I do ? Can I prevent this upris-
ing ? Ought we not to profit by circumstances ? Be-
lieve me, the Jews hold to-day in their hand the
future of Poland. Yesterday despised, soon we shall
be the masters ! Look at the nobility I What is it?
A band without strength, who guard their pride of
birth, their arrogance, their corruptions, their eccen-
tricities, and foolish indifference; they have all the
faults of their ancestors, and none of their virtues.
It is a caste surely fated to die. Such a caste
cannot exist now-a-days. And if society still demands
a sort of modified aristocracy, who will replace the
nobles ? Who but we ? '*
" You know that I am a Jew, heart and soul," said
Jacob ; " but I pity Poland if your prophecy is accom-
plished."
"And why?"
" Because we are not ready for the role you lay out
for us. We have not deserved, by our conduct, to be
the arbiters of this country. And to tell the whole
truth, our community is more corrupt than the nobles ;
it is already worm-eaten."
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THE EVE OF AN INSURRECTION.
187
"Not so bad as they, though."
*' Our malady is different from theirs, but it is as
dangerous."
*' Oh, no ! Because we know how to acquire and
preserve this wealth, while the nobles do not know
anything of business, nor how to manage their vast
estates economically. The strength of money, the
strength of capital, is the only real power in this
century."
** An opportunity, as you have remarked," said
Jacob, " is presented to the Jews of Poland to play an
important role ; as important as the one they already
hold in Germany. Will they understand their advan-
tageous position ? Will they be worthy of it ? Two
questions to which God alone can reply."
Segel burst out laughing.
" You are a pious Jew," cried he. " In everything
you mix the idea of God. These old superstitions are
completely worn out."
" And that is precisely what afflicts me. We have
torn our belief to tatters, but under them is gold."
"What use of speaking of the debris of a past
which will never return ? There is my house ; it
cost more than a half million. I will do the honours,
and we will go afterward to find Mathilde."
He looked at his watch.
" Saperlotte! I am expected at the Bourse in half
an hour ; but I have still time to stay a few moments
with you ; then you can await me with Mathilde. I
^U despatch my business at a gallop."
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l88 THE JEW.
The mansion was spacious and elegant, but with a
vulgar display of wealth. No taste, refinement, or
sentiment for art. It was built on one of those plans
which serve at the same time for private houses or
hotels. Superb mirrors with gilded frames, furniture
covered with velvet hangings of great price, wonder-
ful inlaid floors, rare bronzes, crystal chandeliers,
porcelain from China and Japan, costly bric-a-brac,
and a general tone of vulgar display ; such was the
dwelling, where, in the least details, one could see
that the proprietor had everywhere sought to dazzle
his guests, and confound taste with costliness.
During the inspection he several times spoke
thus : —
"This bibelot cost me a hundred ducats; this vase
is worth a thousand roubles."
The ostentatious mansion was worthy of a de-
throned king or of a prince in partibus. The gen-
eral air of the house, nevertheless, was that of solitude
and ennui. The rooms seemed uninhabited. In
spite of their proportions, there was something want-
ing. Nothing seemed homelike or cheerful.
Segel even conducted Jacob to the pretentious
kitchen, provided with a constant flow of running
water. There was a tank filled with fish, and many
other inventions more or less ingenious.
As soon as his host had left him to go and inform
his wife, Jacob threw himself on a couch; he was
overpowered with fatigue and disgusted with all this
show, and pitied Mathilde more than ever.
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\
THE EVE OF AN INSURRECTIC
Madame Segel soon entered slowly; she
pale, and was almost unable to walk alone\
saluted her friend with a sweet smile tingec^ ..u
melancholy. In her sunken eyes burned a strange
fire.
" Welcome home from Italy, monsieur," said she,
holding out her hand. " I longed to return home ;
but what matters it, here or there, it is all the same."
" No doubt life, regarded in all its gravity, is full
of sadness everywhere," said Jacob.
"Why the devil do you regard it thus?" cried
Henri, offering Jacob a little glass of brandy. " I
almost forgot the Bourse. I have hardly time to
swallow anything. Dear Mathilde, be good enough to
keep our guest until my return. I confide him to you ;
do not let him escape. I will be absent only a quar-
ter of an hour."
He rang.
"Are the horses ready?" asked he of the servant.
"Yes, monsieur."
" That is good. Au revoir. Without further ex-
cuse I leave you with my wife," said he, kissing his
wife's hand. " If you are at loss for conversation, she
can play the piano or sing something. You will find
the daily papers on the table. Very poor reading, I
assure you, but, for want of something better " —
When he had gone they remained silent for some
time, not daring to look at each other. At last
Mathilde sighed, and held out her hand to him, mur-
muring : —
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190 THE JEW,
" Jacob, we are old and good friends, and nothing
more, are we not ? "
" Madame," replied he respectfully, " time has not
changed me, and the confidence you have in me will
not be betrayed."
"When we seek to keep apart," said Mathilde,
" fate reunites us. It is a temptation. Let us remain
worthy of ourselves and worthy of our past, so pure.
I cannot understand Henri. Ordinarily he is so jeal-
ous. He does not Hke to leave me alone with men.
And to-day he has acted so differently. Is it confi-
dence or indifference ? I will ask him."
" What matters it ? Tell me how you are, and why
you left Italy so soon? "
"Because there is suffering everywhere, death
everjrwhere. Since my marriage I am stricken at the
heart. I must suffer, here or there. I am always
suffering."
"And your health?"
" The soul alone is ill. But speak of yourself."
"I — I have neither the time nor the right to
suffer. Man lives not by sentiment, but by action.
It is this which renders us at the same time more
miserable and more happy. In the struggle for exist-
ence, when we receive a wound, we have no right to
think of it, and we must continue the combat. Even
you, madame, why not seek a remedy for your sor-
row? — an occupation, some aim in life."
" Occupations, my dear Jacob, are very limited for
a woman without children. Without them, what ob-
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THE EVE OF A,V INSURRECTION,
191
ject in life has a woman? Do you think that to sew
and embroider can tranquillize a soul?"
"Reading, music, and poetry are inexhaustible
sources of enjoyment. Believe me, madame, days
well employed are not followed by satiety, regret, nor
remorse. Those who have not the creative genius
can assimilate immortal creations. It is a voluptuous
life that draws away from the cares of existence."
" Alas ! to follow your advice it had been necessary
to be initiated to this manner of living, and to be ac-
customed to it."
"You can form the habit."
" I have already, thank Heaven, an occupation in
music. It soothes me, absorbs me, and passes the
time. But music occupies only a little comer in my
heart, and cannot fill it entirely."
" Reading, then."
" Reading unveils to us too much the secrets of
life. I speak of romances, the drama, and poetry."
" In that case seek, and you will find, some more
serious occupation."
" I will try. But enough of this. Speak to me,
Jacob, of yourself. For what have you returned?
What are you going to do?"
" I return, heart and soul full of ideas, and more an
Israelite than ever. I bring back projects of reform,
of labour, and of sacrifice for my people. My views
are almost presumptuous. I dream of being a Bar
Maimonides. There is so much to do for our poor
race."
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192 THE JEW,
"Do you believe it? Do you think that you can
unite these scattered people?"
" Yes ; provided that my strength holds out. The
task will be difficult, arduous, and redoubtable."
" Who will be your disciples ? The believers re-
main attached to their foolish superstitions. They
will repulse you as a new kind of heretic. The un-
believers and the indifferent will listen to you as to a
mad poet, and will ridicule you."
"The prophets have often been repulsed by the
crowd, who have even at times stoned them to death.
But each one of them has left in history traces of his
passage, and the grain that they have sown has
germinated."
" Then you will have the courage of a xx\zx\jt ?
You deceive yourself, however, if you think that you
will be riddled with stones in public places where you
preach. You will, instead, have jokes thrown at you ;
you will be called a fool, and covered with ridicule.
That will be a shabby martyrdom, absurd and insult-
ing. The stoning would be preferable. Sarcasm is
a mighty weapon."
" When a man is absorbed, inspired, and exalted,
full of the truth that is within him, he does not see
the pygmies in the crowd. It is the crowd, the mass
only, that he sees. When so many of our people
dream of nothing but money getting, no matter how,
it is absolutely necessary that some one should take
an interest in the moral elevation of souls, and devote
himself entirely to this holy mission."
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THE EVE OF AN INSURRECTION
193
*' How happy should I be to be your pupil ! but I
fear I am not capable of understanding such science,
such wisdom. At times it seems as if I can foresee
the future, but, really, I am very ignorant. Write out
your thoughts and I will read them. I will leam
them by heart, and I will spread them among those
of my own sex who are deprived of the consolation
of faith in God. Unfortunately, if you are a Barak, I
am not a Deborah."
Jacob was about to reply when the door opened,
giving entrance to Mathilde*s father and husband, ac-
companied by Mann and Simon.
Henri had informed them of Jacob's arrival, and
they were all invited to dinner. The acceptance on
the part of an important person, like Mann, was ex-
traordinary, for he usually made some excuse, and
declined all ordinary invitations.
Jacob's former guardian ran to him with open arms,
and cried : —
" Welcome ! I embrace you, and wish you much
happiness. Rabbi Jacob."
Mann cried at the same time : —
" I am rejoiced to hold your hand after so long an
absence."
"How do you return to us, Akiba or atheist?"
asked the jovial Simon.
" Neither one nor the other. I am the same as
ever, only a little more alarmed as to the future."
" Then it was not worth while to leave Poland,"
replied Simon, " and you arrived just in time to assist
in a revolution."
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1^4 THE yEW.
" It is no laughing matter," said Henri.
" I am not joking," said Simon. " I am organiz-
ing, myself, a regiment of Jewish gamins, that I shall
lead to combat seated in a sedan chair. In place of
a gun I will have my umbrella."
" Such pleasantry is ill-timed," replied Mathilde's
father. " We are on the eve of grave events."
" It is every day more apparent. Alas ! "
"Your * alas,' Father Simon, shows that you con-
demn these revolutionary tendencies."
" How can I approve them ? "
" It is useless to oppose public opinion," remarked
Mann ; " these fools will not listen to reason. When
reason speaks they are deaf as a post. The best
thing we can do is to look out for ourselves."
"The safest thing," added Simon, " is to conceal
ourselves during the combat."
"Certainly. Why should we mix in it?" said
Mann approvingly.
"To speak seriously," said Jacob, " there is, per-
haps, another line of conduct to follow."
"The catastrophe is not yet certain," observed
Henri, " for there are among them many reasonable
men."
Mann rose from his seat and cried : —
" The catastrophe is certain. It cannot be other-
wise with a clique of proud and degenerated men
guided by their passions and not by reason."
"Dear Monsieur Mann, and what of us?" asked
Simon. "Are we neither degenerate nor proud?
Speak I "
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THE EVE OF AN INSURRECTION,
19s
" We are not to be compared with those men. We
are worth much more."
" That is true. They are blind, we are only lame.
The Jews are peaceable men, suited only for business.
When there is disorder in the streets they close their
shops."
" My faith ! they are sensible to do so."
" Thus said my late papa," murmured Simon. " It
is a sacred duty to follow his advice."
'* You are always joking."
"And you, the day when you joke I will abstain
from it. If no one throws a note of gayety into the
conversation, they would say that Heine carried all
the Jewish spirit into his tomb. It is a service I ren-
der you all. Mann, you do not know the efforts that
you cost me."
The grave Israelite, wounded in his self-love, walked
up and down the room, puffing and grumbling.
"And how does the country seem to you, dear
Jacob? " asked Mathilde's father.
" Very much changed. How things have changed
for us ! "
" Why do )5ou say us?'' asked Simon. " The half, at
least, of our people do not take part in this with us."
" The question is much discussed by the press."
" But, in general, public opinion favours us."
"Yes, in appearance," replied Mann. "The
Poles affect to be liberal, but, at heart, they remain
feudal aristocrats, incorrigible, and puffed up with
pride."
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196 THE JEW.
" Listen," interrupted Simon, " to a word of advice.
Do not speak of men * puffed up with pride.* It is
inconsistent on your part.*'
The great man looked at Simon, and said scorn-
fully : —
" You are only an old fault-finder."
" Fault-finder, if you will, but look at yourself in
the glass before you reproach others with being
proud. Are you more approachable, more cordial,
more charitable, than L. P. K., or many other nobles ?
They have their heraldry, you your millions. Two.
different causes, but both alike result in pride."
" Hold your peace, you are insufferable," cried the
rich man.
Then he murmured between his teeth, " What an
impudent fellow ! "
Henri and his father-in-law laughed heartily at his
wrath.
" Dear brother in Israel," continued Simon calmly,
" each time that the nobles have a bad odour smell
yourself. You will discover the same odour. You
are at heart an aristocrat, but you lack the title."
"Enough ! Enough ! " cried Mann. .
" No ! It is not enough. I must get rid of my
bile. If I do not I shall stifle, and that would be sad
for me at first, for you afterward, if you wish to pay
my debts. We were speaking of pride. Very well.
If we have not crests surmounted with coronets, nor
three hundred years of nobility" —
" Enough, I say 1 Enough ! "
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THE EVE OF AN INSURRECTION, 197
" Certainly, if you insist." And at last Simon con-
sented to be silent.
Mann sulked awhile, then said to Jacob : —
" What news do you bring from Jerusalem ? What is
the condition of the Jews there ? How do they live ? "
" In miser}'. They ask our aid to help them em-
igrate to foreign lands. They await the signal of re-
generation from us. We ought to listen to their
appeal."
" You wish, then, to direct the world ? "
" I have not that pretension. Akiba, however, was
only a shepherd before he became a sage. I might,
perhaps, follow his example."
" It is the contrary with which you are threatened,
if you do not change your conduct," cried Simon.
" From a sage you will become a shepherd."
His guardian laughed good-naturedly, and said : —
" Simon predicts the future well. Instead of re-
forming humanity, apply yourself to business, and
leave God, in his wisdom, to direct the world accord-
ing to his own plans."
"Can we not become the instruments of God?
Ought we not to try and accomplish his designs? I
have no wish to amass wealth. I am sufficiently
rich."
" If your whim is to be a second Akiba," replied
Simon, " I doubt if you will succeed. From the
ashes of Akiba have sprung up Borne and Heine.
The precepts of Heine in a book are fine ; in flesh
and blood, inconvenient."
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198 THE JEW.
" I do not like Heine," said Jacob.
They all exclaimed against this sacrilegious preju-
dice.
" Why do you dislike him ? He represented in his
day the true contemporaneous spirit of the Jews with
the Kladderadatch."
" I do not like him, because his spirit is a spirit of
destruction, debauchery of thought, debauchery of
language, irony, scepticism, and abasement of human
nature. All these are scattered among the pearls and
diamonds. It is no less corruption though the author
be remarkable for talent and genius. It is from this
very corruption that we should free ourselves, for it is
a presage of death ; it is the death-rattle."
" Then," finished Simon, ^*Judceorum finish
"Yes. Finis Judceorum et Juddismi finis J^
The people of Israel resemble a man who, having pre-
served intact a treasure during a journey of a thousand
leagues through forests full of brigands, lost it in a
puddle at the door of his house. This treasure is our
faith, and it is in danger."
" Dear Jacob, why do we always speak of religion
and morality? You really believe, then, that they
exist somewhere ? "
" If they are dead, we should employ means to re-
suscitate them."
" Decidedly he is mad," muttered Mann to himself.
Then he added in a loud voice : —
" I should be proud of such an honour, but I am
unworthy."
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THE EVE OF AN INSURRECTION.
199
'* And I," said Simon, " I advise you to devote your
energies to a task less likely to prove disappointing.
For example, seek in the Talmud the things forbidden
to a Jewish stomach. Mai'monides has counted
twenty-four. With a little perseverance you can get
it up to thirty. What a glorious discovery that would
be!"
"What matters the number of dishes," said Jacob.
" Yet the prohibition has produced good results, be-
cause it has set a limit to gormandizing."
"If you only knew, dear friend," said Simon,
"what^a savour there is in a sausage! A wealthy
proprietor of Volhynie, although originally an Israel-
ite, ate them to satiety, and afterward said : ' I stuff
myself with sausages, for I eat them for myself and
for my ancestors, who never tasted them during many
generations/ "
"Truly," cried Henri, " the conversation takes an
agreeable turn, thanks to sausages."
Mann, wearied with the lamentations of Jacob and
the jests of Simon, started a new subject.
" Has any one here," asked he, " been at the house
of Count A. Z. lately?"
The count was a person whose popularity increased
daily, though it might be fleeting.
"I," responded the indefatigable Simon.
"And you were received?"
"Why not?"
" Very well. What did he say ? "
" Always tb^ s^ipe sobriety of words. His theory,
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200 THE JEW,
like that of all the nobles, is that the Jews ought to
work to obtain their rights, — like apprentices, in order
to pass their companions and masters."
, " He is right, up to a certain point," said Jacob.
" How is that? " asked Mann angrily. " Have we
not, we who were bom on the same soil, received
from nature the same rights as- these men ? In what
are nobles our superiors ? Have we not gained our
rights of equality by humiliations endured during
ages?"
" Nature," replied Jacob, " has created us all equal.
I do not deny that ; but on the side of rights there
are duties. If we do not share all the burden we
shall not merit all the rights."
" But we could not escape the expense, that I know ;
and, with their usual haughtiness, the nobles do not
welcome us to the Agricultural Society."
" Until the present day," said Jacob, " we have not
had a single title to aspire to it. Yet I admit that
the nobles are wrong to be so exclusive."
" Certainly. It is wrong for them to act thus ;
and, tell me, what is the object of the societies the
nobles are organizing? It is to deprive us of our
commerce."
" Perhaps that would be rendering us a great ser-
vice, for with this single occupation we are losing
prestige. It would, perhaps, be for the best if we
were obliged to seek our means of existence elsewhere.
Why should we always remain traders? Besides,
thanks to our experience and ability, we have not
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THE EVE OF AX INSURRECTION, 201
much to fear from their competition, for they know
nothing about business."
" But they will monopolize commerce. Their so-
cieties are directed against us. Their Agricultural
Society is a conspiracy, a plot against the Jews.
Everywhere we meet evidences of their hatred."
" And I do not think that on our side there is very
much good-will either."
"And why should we like them?" interrupted
Henri. "Though they are very polite, and some-
times even familiar, they exclude us from their inti-
macy and never accord us their friendship."
" We do the same."
" But with us it is different," replied Mann. " We
have an excuse, for they have never ceased to render
themselves odious."
"Then," concluded Simon, "we have a right to
detest them, and their duty is to return love for hatred.
Eh ! If we slap them on one cheek, they must offer
us the other ! Besides, the Christian religion teaches
that, does it not?"
Simon looked as serious as an owl as he spoke thus,
but Mann continued, without smiling : —
" These nobles are fools ! Their confidence is ex-
travagant. They believe in the promises of Napoleon
III. ; they count on England, on Italy, on Hungary
and Sweden, and even on Turkey. They await a revo-
lution in Germany, — a revolution of potatoes, no doubt !
They also hope much from troubles that are to arise
in the interior of Russia. And from all this will infal-
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202 THE JEW.
libly come out the resurrection of Poland ! What
bUndness ! "
" In the meanwhile," observed Mathilde's father,
" we are in a very disagreeable position. It is equally
foolish for us to be on either side. Russia will pre-
vail, that is certain ; but during the combat the Poles
can crush us and do us much evil, perhaps send us
out of the country.
" You are mistaken," cried Henri.
" Yes," agreed Simon. " One has only to sit on
two chairs to be sure that if one fails he can sit on the
other."
« Naturally."
"One thing is clear to me," said Jacob. " It is,
that we ought to side with Poland and share her fate,
however disastrous the consequences may be. Self-
sacrifice should be our watchword, and no matter
what happens, our efforts will not have been in
vain."
"In this," said Mann, "Jacob is not altogether
wrong. In the proud days of the Pohsh republic
many noble families were so divided that part of their
members were for the king, and others against him.
These took part in the insurrection ; those sustained
the government. They had a foot in each camp, and,
whatever the result, the one saved the other. It is a
good example to follow. It is necessary to keep the
middle path : these are the ideas that should be scat-
tered among our people."
" No, no ! '* cried Jacob. " Not the middle path !
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THE EVE OF AN INSURRECTION.
203
We must share the fale of Poland, without reserva-
tion."
Mann struck him on the shoulder and said : —
" You are very young."
" Yes, yes, he is young," repeated Simon, " and he
ought to listen to the advice of those who have had
some experience. It is for old fellows to tell young
ones what to do."
Just then a lackey in livery and white gloves an-
nounced at the door that dinner was served. Ma-
thilde, who had absented herself, appeared and took
her father's arm, and Mann eagerly rose and hastened
toward them.
It would be useless to dwell on the elegance of the
table and the gastronomic perfection of the repast.
Henri ordinarily contented himself, in spite of his
wealth, with a bit of bread and a glass of brandy.
But when his vanity was affected nothing was too
costly. He was full of apologies, pretending that this
was an impromptu.repast, and that he was afraid they
would not find enough to eat. It was really a dinner
for diplomats, and the menu was on rose- colored
paper bordered with silver.
Mann affected a nonchalant air, so that his lack of
education might not be noticed. He tied a napkin
around his neck and ate in silence. The conversa-
tion turned on the gossip of the day.
Suddenly Mann addressed himself to Jacob in
Polish, and said ; —
" Although you are an orthodox Jew, you have in-
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1
204 ^^^ 7^^'
fringed one of the most important laws of your re-
ligion."
" Oh, let us drop Judaism," said the master of the
house, in French. "Avoid this subject before the
servants."
" But what sin have I committed? " asked Jacob.
" A sin so great that you do not deserve to be
called a man in the sight of the Lord."
"What is it, then?"
" How old are you ? " said Mann.
"Twenty and over." .
" Very well. Since the age of eighteen years you
have been in sin, for you have not married, and that
is the first duty of every Israelite. If you do not has-
ten to do so, Dumah will catch you one of these da)rs,
and throw you into the depths of hell ! "
" I do not deny that youthful marriage is a duty,"
replied Jacob, " but I believe that our law tolerates
some exceptions. As for myself, I have not the least
wish to marry."
" How thoughtful Mann is ! " cried Simon ; " he
wishes to put a halter around your neck, because
misery loves company."
Jacob replied simply : —
" I cannot marry without love."
As he said these words he threw an involuntary
glance toward Mathilde, who grew pale and looked
down.
" What a rogue ! " continued Simon, with a forced
gravity. " To wish to put the sugar of love on the
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THE EVE OF AN INSURRECTION.
205
bitter dish of marriage, is to seek hypocrisy where one
ought to expect duty and care only."
" Father Simon, we are so accustomed to your jests
that your last remark can pass for one. It contains,
however, many truths. Yet I venture to ask you if it
is not permitted to aspire here below to a little joy
and happiness? And true love can procure that."
" No ; not in practical life. Romance has per-
verted your imagination."
" It is, then, forbidden to hope for a little poetry in
this prosaic life ? "
" Poetry ! The Jew ought not to speak of it.
Calculation should be our business. Two and two
make five, because to admit that two and two make
four implies a loss of interest. But to return to your
marriage."
" Rather let us drop the subject."
*' Very well," said Mann. " I assure you I will bore
you about it until you decide. Unfortunately I have
no more unmarried daughters. But I can recom-
mend to you a charming young woman with a portion
of a hundred thousand roubles."
«' A hundred thousand roubles ! " cried Simon.
" You had better take her, Jacob."
"Thanks for your interest in me," said Jacob
coldly, when Mathilde spoke in her turn.
" My uncle and cousin are right," said she, fixing
her large, black eyes on him. " You ought to marry."
" What ! " cried he sadly. " You also ? You are
in the plot?"
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2o6 THE JEW,
"Yes; because I desire to see you tranquil and
happy."
" Singular receipt," murmured Simon.
" We had better leave the subject of marriage to the
managing mammas. After all, we 'are meddling with
something that does not concern us, and some day
Jacob will be claiming damages and interest for hav-
ing marriage put into his head," laughed Henri.
T'hey arose from the table, and all the men save
Jacob grouped themselves together.
"What do you think of him?" asked his former
guardian of Mann.
" He is a remarkable man. He could be very use-
ful to us if it were not for his religious whims. They
are very well for the ignorant, but useless for en-
lightened men."
"Yes," replied Simon; "religion for you is cab-
bage soup for the poor. You prefer turtle soup."
"This mania will pass," added Segel; "the princi-
pal causes are his youthful enthusiasm, his poetic and
devout spirit. Let us persuade him to engage in
some useful and lucrative business ; it is the best way
to keep him from proclaiming himself Jew so often."
New visitors arrived ; Mathilde was at the piano,
and Jacob listened, all absorbed.
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THE PURSUIT OF A HUSBAND, 207
CHAPTER X.
THE PURSUIT OF A HUSBAND.
A SHORT distance from the mansion of Segel, sej)-
arated only by their gardens, was a pretty little stone
villa covered with ivy and other climbing vines. The
low windows opened on a veranda, and sculptured
ornaments of wood and stone gave it an attractive
appearance, although it was a little deteriorated by
the dampness, and there was about it a general air of
neglect.
The proprietor of this villa was a man who could
not live in it on account of the expense he had in-
curred in building it. His puerile fancy had ruined
him, and he was reduced to living in a garret. The
plaything was let during the summer, and during the
rest of the year it remained empty.
This dwelling lacked a master who would love it
and care for it ; such was the air of neglect it had
taken on.
For several months it had been occupied by
Madame Wtorkowska and her daughter. This lady
was the widow of a speculator who had been unfortu-
nate in business, and had died in debt. His wife
had succeeded in concealing from the creditors some
portions of the estate. She lived on this with a cer-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
2o8 THE JEW,
tain elegance, and aspired to move in the best society.
She went sometimes to Ems, to Spa, or to Paris, and
hoped everything from her only daughter, whom she
considered a marvel.
Mademoiselle Emma was really charming. She
was twenty- two years old and owned to twenty, but
no one had yet offered her his name and fortune.
Although the mother was persuaded that a king or a
prince of the blood would have been fortunate to
possess such a treasure, the simple gentlemen found
that this pearl was exacting, and had luxurious tastes
a little too costly for men of moderate fortunes.
That was why, in her despair, Madame Wtorkowska,
nie Weinberg, went back to her Israelite friends,
among whom she hoped to find a rich merchant who
would marry her daughter.
Emma was very beautiful, of that ideal type taken
by the painters for Rachel or Rebecca. She was a
dark- eyed blonde, with a snowy complexion, features
which were like sculptured marble, large, black eyes
full of a mysterious fascination, and rosy lips whose
charming smiles displayed teeth of pearl. Nature
had made her an actress, and her mother had devel-
oped in her the art of simulating all emotions and
playing all r51es.
This mother knew excellently how to appear a liter-
ary woman, without having read much. She gave
herself out as an accomplished musician, though she
hardly knew the notes. She posed as a lady of high
degree, although she had seen the best society only en
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THE PURSUIT OF A HUSBAND. 209
neglige at the baths and in some salons of doubtful
distinction, and she masked her poverty under a
deceitful elegance and an appearance of wealth.
Emma, of which the Polish is Emnsia, called her-
self, for short, Musia, which she further transformed
into the French, Muse, which gave her a stamp of
originality, and expressed by a name her diverse tal-
ents and her dazzling accomplishments. At an early
age she learned to play the piano, and initiated herself
in light and easy Uterature. Provided that the book
was written in French, in an elegant style, her mother
asked no more ; as for the morals they inculcated she
was utterly indifferent. *' This is not suitable. That
can harm you. You must guard yourself well from
this or from that." These were the rules of conduct
that Madame Wtorkowska gave to her daughter, who
sooij became accomplished in all her refinements : the
art of dissimulation, habitual and unblushing falsehood,
elegant and perfumed deceit. She had a great natural
talent for music. At six years she passed for a little
prodigy, at twelve she played in public, and at eigh-
teen she was proclaimed Chopin's most clever inter-
preter. She had so enchanted Liszt at Ems, to
believe her mother, that he would have married her
then and there had it not been for the double obsta-
cles of the. princess . . . and his priesthood.
Muse, the better to attract attention, had adopted a
very beautiful, although somewhat eccentric, toilet.
Her mother lost no occasion to show her beautiful
daughter at the theatre, at charity concerts, at the in-
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2IO THE JEW.
dustrial exhibitions, and at the art galleries. She also
added the publicity of the press, by procuring, from
time to time, a flattering mention of the beauty and
talents of Muse in the Courrier de Varsovie,
In spite of all, she had no luck so far ; all the arti-
fices of coquetry had not obtained a proposal of mar-
riage worthy of being taken into consideration. Two
aspirants only had presented themselves in a legit-
imate and honourable manner : a youth of eighteen
years all fire and flame, and an old man foolishly in
love. As neither of them had any money they were
quickly refused.
At the baths of Spa or Ems a count also had
offered himself, but this noble had ruined himself by a
dissipated life, and, as he could not return to Warsaw
on account of his debts, lived " by his wits."
In a moment of discouragement Muse thougj^t of
becoming an actress. " With my beautiful voice and
charms of person," said she, " success is certain, and
I shall soon be rolling in gold." But this idea was
extremely distasteful to her mother, whose ambition
was for a solid establishment, and not for the precari-
ous life of the theatre. She wept, and implored her
daughter not to think of it, and assured her that their
pecuniary resources were sufficient to keep them in
luxury for another year. Much might be accom-
plished during a twelvemonth. They were sure to se-
cure a rich husband by that time. Why not wait before
leaving the social sphere to which they were accus-
tomed ? The scenic career would always remain open.
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THE PURSUIT OF A HUSBAND, 211
The same day that Jacob dined at the Segels
Madame Wtorkowska returned from the city to her
villa in radiant humour, and found her daughter at
the window reading one of F^vaFs novels. She con-
templated her a moment with admiration.
" How lovely you are to-day," said she ; " more
beautiful than ever ! That is right ; your beauty is
your capital. I have a magnificent project. We
must succeed. Conquer or die is our motto ! "
"What has happened now?*' asked Muse, throw-
ing down her book and giving a side glance in the
mirror.
" I have just learned that Jacob, your old ac-
quaintance, has returned to Warsaw. He will be your
husband. I have a presentiment of it. A natural
presentiment never deceives. You know the pro-
verb : ' That which a woman wishes' '* —
" * The devil wishes,' " replied the girl laughing.
" You are in great spirits, but you need not waste
your wit on me."
" I have already said that twice in public with great
success."
The mother kissed her forehead, and said in
French : —
" You are sublime ! But listen to me : you must
proceed cautiously with this Jacob ; you must be pru-
dent, calculating, dignified, and full of tact."
" Never fear," repHed the daughter, " I remember
him perfectly. I know his peculiarities, and shall not
make a false move."
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212 THE JEW.
" Be careful when you are near him not to be
too gay, too witty, too brilliant. Be grave, modest,
and poetical ; quote much ideal poetry to him ; such
are the strategetic manoeuvres which will serve you."
"Do you know, mamma, I have been told that
he has been already in love?"
" And with whom? "
" With Mathilde, or she with him ; it is the same
thing. I do not know whether this love still exists or
has vanished."
"Several years have passed since then. She has
had time to fade, to grow ugly ; and, furthermore, she
is married, so that she is no obstacle for us. His
love for her proves that he is capable of passion. So
much the better. Now-a-days, men have become
veritable icebergs. They resist an enchantress like
you, and let themselves be devoured by the demi-
monde " —
"Yes, they do not think of marriage. It is the
spirit of the age."
" Jacob, of whom I have heard much from people
who know him well, is a serious young man, senti-
mental, pious, and even fanatic. When you are with
him, you must seem to bear the burden of the suffer-
ings of two thousand years ; you must sigh, and pretend
to be full of tender and elegiac poetry."
"Dear mamma, do I need these lessons?" said
Muse, a little piqued.
" No, my child ; but a mother's heart is always full
of fears. A better match would be difficult to find.
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THE PURSUIT OF A HUSBAND, 213
Use every means to captivate him ; meet him as if by
chance, and invite him here. He loves music. We
will give two or three entertainments where we will
have Kontski and Doprzynski, and you and those
two singers will make an adorable trio, llien will
come the supper, when you will be irresistible from
the charms of your toilet."
Muse shrugged her shoulders.
" O mamma," said she, *' leave it all to me ! I
know well how to play my cards."
" Listen once more," said Madame Wtorkowska,
drawing near her daughter, blushing and a little em-
barrassed. " We will play our part well. Jacob is a
man of honour, sensitive and conscientious. With
him, but with him alone, dear Emusia, one can resort
to extreme measures to force him into the last in-
trenchments and bind him to us. He is young,
passionate. It would be very easy to awaken in him
— you understand me ? I would not advise you to go
so far with another, but with him it is different."
" Of course I understand you ; why not? I am no
longer a child," replied Muse, with an offended air.
"The means are heroic, but might succeed with a
perfectly honest man Uke Jacob. There was real
genius in that idea, mamma."
The mother blushed at this praise, for the idea ap-
peared brazen even to herself, coming from a mother
who should have instructed and guided her daughter.
" Our desperate situation only has made me sug-
gest such a thing."
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214 THE JEW.
"Why speak of despair? Have we not the
theatre as a last resort?"
" To see you an actress ; that would be a great
sorrow for me."
" And Malibran, and Pasta, and Schroeder, and
Grisi, and Sontag, and many others. La Sontag, did
she not become a countess and ambassadress? "
" I don't care for that. I do not wish to see you
on the stage. I would prefer " —
** Do not fear, mamma."
" I have already a plan," replied Madame Wtorkow-
ska calmly. "Jacob dines at the Segels to-day.
You are a friend of Mathilde*s. She lives near here ;
dress yourself quickly and go to see her. You can
feign ignorance of the circumstances. I will not
accompany you, a servant alone will follow. We
must take advantage of each favourable moment. To
arrive at dessert or at coffee will be best. After a
repast men are in good humour ; you will produce a
lively impression on Jacob. Modestly dressed and
not expecting to see company, you must blush, draw
back, and wish to retire. They will beg you to re-
main. You will remain. What follows I leave to you."
Muse rose quickly, like a soldier whom the clarion
calls to battle, and embraced her mother, who kissed
her and said : —
" One more word of advice. Do not put on any
powder, your complexion does not need it, and he
might think you had lost your freshness; and how
will you dress? "
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THE PURSUIT OF A HUSBAND. 215
" In black lace, modestly, poetically. You can de-
pend on me."
A half-hour after, while Muse was at her toilet,
Madame Wtorkowska's eagle eyes at the window saw
carried from SegeFs kitchen into the dining-room a
sumptuous roast, then ices ; she ran to her daughter
and cried ; —
" Now is the time. Hasten, I beseech you ! "
Muse was all ready. She might have served for a
painter's model to represent a contemporaneous elegy ;
her usually mobile features were changed completely.
By a profound study before the mirror she had given
them an expression of sweet melancholy. She was
enchanting; with an infinite art she concealed art,
and seemed natural, and no one would have imagined
she was playing a false role.
Women attract and conquer men sometimes by
gayety of spirit, and sometimes by a mystical re-
serve; nothing awakens ardour in a man more
than an enigma to solve. When he has arrived
at the last page of that book called woman, it is nec-
essary that she be a marvellous masterpiece for him to
commence the reading with the same interest as
before.
Muse was a living sphinx with such an attractive
and finished beauty that it would have been difficult
for the most clever observer to discover the least de-
fect in her person, either physically or morally.
She wore a black lace dress, light and negligee ;
for ornaments, a coral bracelet and brooch ; nothing
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2i6 THE JEW.
more save a white handkerchief and a flower in her
hand. To her mother, even, she appeared in a
light so new as to draw from her enthusiastic excla-
mations : —
" Oh, my Ophelia ! You are charming ! "
Muse smiled proudly, kissed her mother, and with
a calm and composed mien left the house as if to
keep an engagement, and not to engage in a struggle
where her object was to capture a man's heart. Her
heart had never yet spoken ; it surprised her that men
in general were so little susceptible to passionate love,
and that she herself had never felt this emotion. Her
feelings were in her head, and if at times her brain
had been inflamed, this flame had never descended to
the heart. Love, as she dreamed of it, presented it-
self to her imagination covered with silk and diamonds
in a superb salon^ amid a royal court.
Did her heart beat on the way ? Her black dress
could alone tell us, but her face did not reveal a single
sign of inquietude. The chronological reckoning of
Madame Wtorkowska had been so exact, that Muse ar-
rived just at the moment when they were taking coffee,
and, as the piano was opposite the door, Mathilde saw
her enter and then draw back as if to go. She arose
at once and ran to her, and drew her into the room.
Jacob was near her, but she passed him without recog-
nition.
" But this is Monsieur Jacob, an old acquaintance
of yours," said Mathilde.
" Ah, really ! He has returned from his travels,
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THE PURSUIT OF A HUSBAND. 217
then. How he has changed ! I should never have
recognized him. I am charmed to see him again.'*
The first step was of great importance. She ap-
peared at first to be altogether indifferent ; she played
her first lines admirably. As for Jacob, he felt no
emotion whatever. There exist in some men certain
instincts which warn them, if they are not under the
empire of a brutal passion, to avoid danger. Beauti-
ful as she was. Muse did net attract him. Her beauty
was for him like that of a statue or a lovely picture,
no more.
She had more success with the group of men who
were drinking coffee. They all praised her beauty.
Henri alone dared not openly express his admiration,
for fear of being heard by his wife.
" Delicious girl ! " said Mann. "A dainty enough
morsel for a king ! "
" A morsel for a king ! " added Simon ; " but one
must have golden teeth to chew it."
Mathilde's father, a great admirer of women, re-
marked in a low voice : —
" My word for it, she is well worth a thousand
ducats ! "
"Oh, much more ! " cried Mann.
''Wait, gentlemen," added Simon; "put off the
sale until after the marriage."
" How clever those women are," said Mann.
" Madame Wtorkowska is not worth a sou, and look
how they dress, how they live."
" I suspect the object of this visit," whispered
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2l8 THE JEW.
Simon. " It is a chase organized against Jacob. I
pity him if he falls into their hands."
While they were talking, Muse drew near the piano
and looked at the music before Mathilde. It was a
composition of Schumann's, and as Jacob was near
her she asked him : —
" Do you remember our promenades with Mathilde ?
Are you as serious as ever ? "
" Always the same, mademoiselle, with the differ-
ence, perhaps, that age has augmented my failing."
During this conversation Mathilde felt her heart
beat violently. Father Simon made from afar some
warning gestures, and finished by approaching the
piano. Muse greeted him coldly as an enemy, but
just then some one asked her to play something.
" With pleasure," said she ; " I love music, and I
never refuse to play. Above all, I love Schumann
the best."
She executed one of those fantastic reveries where
grief gushes out in poignant notes like drops of
blood.
She played admirably and with much expression.
An actress even in music, she expressed ravishingly
the sentiments which she could not feel.
She was warmly applauded. Mathilde, who was
herself an excellent musician, found new food for
thought in this manner of interpreting a composition
that she loved. Jacob praised, but coldly. Father
Simon took him by the arm and drew him aside.
" Do you know Muse ? " asked he.
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THE PURSUIT OF A HUSBAND.
219
"Yes, I used to see her often."
" Do you know the mother? "
"Very little."
"Then learn that they are two very dangerous
women. The daughter, reared in luxury, without be-
ing worth a sou, seeks a rich husband. Take care of
yourself. They will catch you, if possible. They are
setting their cap for you already."
" Why, I have only just arrived ! "
" The mothers of these days have such a scent that
they smell from afar the marriageable young men.
Take care of yourself. This Muse is enchantingly
beautiful and versed in all deceit."
" Very beautiful women do not please me."
" She can make herself anything you wish, for she
can divine your thoughts."
Seated by the mistress of the house, Muse turned
her head. She immediately understood that Simon
was acting the part of Mentor to the young Telema-
chus, and called to him familiarly ; —
" I have a favour to ask of you. Monsieur Simon,
and I feel that I am very fortunate to meet you
here."
"A favour! Of me?"
" Yes, monsieur, on the part of my mother. She
dotes on your witty repartees and wishes to see you
sometimes in her salon^ if you will so honour us."
She had counted on gaining Father Simon over by
her seductive flattery, but the old rogue only bowed
courteously, smiled maliciously, and withdrew hastily
Digitized by VjOOQIC
220 T^E- JRIV-
to the other side of the room. He went up to Jacob
and whispered : —
"She has been trying to bum me with incense
right under my very nose. What a siren ! To avoid
her snares, stuff your ears with cotton, shut your eyes,
and save yourself."
" For me," said Jacob, " there are neither sirens
nor witches."
"There have been, however, many more than
those in the Odyssey."
Muse knew better than to show too much interest
in the man she was seeking to ensnare. She had
Mathilde ask him to tell them something of his
travels. Thanks to this diplomatic stratagem, Jacob
joined them, and engaged in a lively conversation.
She saw that he was absorbed in Mathilde, and felt
that he did not listen to her. Finding further efforts
useless she arose to take leave. With a cold and po-
lite tone she said to the young man only, that she
would be happy to see him at her home, as if it was
out of compliment to her friend.
" Man of ice," thought she, " in vain you seek to
escape me. I shall subdue you. You will belong to
me. Then we will square our account."
She left the room modestly, almost timidly, Ma-
dame Segel conducting her to the door. When she
returned she said to Jacob : —
" Well, how did you like her ? "
"She is wonderfully beautiful, but there is also
something disagreeable about her."
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^'SBAND, 223
THE PURSUIT OF A HUSBAi^.^
- they
Some of them protested. *»s
"She is the least natural woman I have ever met,"
said Jacob. " My ideal is a true and sincere woman."
Mathilde fell into a revery. During this time Henri
had escorted Muse to the street. It was easily seen
by his sparkling eyes that this pearl pleased him. On
her part Mademoiselle Muse found Segel to her taste
also, but she could not compromise herself with a mar-
ried man while she sought a husband. Otherwise
these two souls were s)anpathetic, and seemed created
for each other. Henri's last glance was so ardent,
that it almost compensated Muse for Jacob's coldness.
Her mother impatientiy awaited the result of this
first attack.
" You have seen him? " asked she.
"Yes."
"Well?"
" Preludes, as you have often said yourself, dear
mamma, are always tiresome. I played for him one
of Schumann's £mtasies as I never played it before ; I
felt inspired ; I showed myself at the same time be-
witching and indifferent. I threw him furtive glances,
neither toa ardent nor too cold. By slow and insid-
ious steps, by proceeding with much caution I can
put him off his guard and takf him captive. I am
sure of him, I think."
" Then you do not think it will be an easy mat-
ter?"
" No, probably not. He has something else on
his mind."
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220
THE JEW,
'* And can you not by your magic art draw from
him that which is rooted in his heart? "
" I will try, but it is a difficult part to play."
" I am chagrined to see you doubtful of success so
soon."
" Oh, if I absolutely will it, I can succeed ! But I
shall be obliged to compromise myself. Not in the
way you suggested this morning, however. It will
suffice to expose myself in the eyes of the world. For
the rest, that which Count Alfred said of the chase
applies perfectly to my situation. It is not necessary
to make any plans in advance to draw on the game.
The plan will develop when the time comes. But I
have some news for you. Henri is desperately in
love with me."
"What Henri?"
"Our neighbour, Segel."
"What, has he dared?"
" If you could have seen him squeeze my hand ; if
you could have heard him sigh when he escorted me
to the street ! Oh, it was droll ! "
" Unfortunately, he is married."
" Yes, but Mathilde has a bad cough. They say that
her lungs are affected. She is not yet twenty-five
years old ; at that age phthisis is fatal. But may God
preserve her ! "
" You are truly a genius ! Your foresight is admi-
rable. If we could keep him in reserve it would not
be bad; however, I prefer Jacob. Men of Henri's
calibre never become seriously in love. Their senti-
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THE PURSUIT OF A HUSBAND,
223
ment is not love, it is passion. Every year they
change their mistress. It is the theatre that furnishes
them."
" Bah ! That is the custom now-a-days ! "
" Believe me, you had better hold Jacob. There is
something horrible about counting on a death."
" I will do all I can to satisfy you. I am very sorry
for poor Mathilde, yet one can see death in her
eyes."
" Do not think of her, then ; thinterather of Jacob."
" We will see. As for me, I like Henri better."
The mother frowned and said no more.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
224 ^^^ ^^^•
CHAPTER XL
A POLITICAL MEETING.
The same evening Jacob set out to seek a friend of
Ivas, who had been his comrade at the university, and
had become a very important person in the present
agitation. This man, a modest employ^ of the gov-
ernment, exercised a powerful influence on the young
men and in circles where politics were the order of
the day. He possessed superior intelligence, rare
executive ability, great energy and activity, and his
character was at the same time pliant and firm. With-
out being leader of any party, he went from one to
another, and the timid as well as the bold bowed
everywhere to his incontestable authority. Yet no
one could have said that Kruder — that was his name
— belonged to the fire-eaters, to the liberals, or to the
conservatives, nor if he was red, blue, or white.
With the excited he was all fire and flame ; with
the cool reasoners he was calm and logical ; with the
prudent and timorous he was full of discretion and
consideration.
All listened to his objections ; all followed his coun-
sels. He knew how to smooth all difficulties, conceal
divergences, and to lead to the same end contradictory
views.
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A POLITICAL MEETING,
225
Amid such diversity of opinions he alone could
maintain order, and command sufficient confidence to
subject all differences of opinion to discipline, in ad-
vance of the coming revolution ; for to do this was his
ambition, his only ambition.
He had friends in both camps ; these precipitated
the movement, those retarded it. His intimate rela-
tions with both parties put him in the way of hearing
the opinions and knowing the situation thoroughly.
Nothing could happen without his cognizance. In his
work of centralization it was important to be well in-
formed, so as to prevent errors, or to correct them as
well as he could.
To attract less notice and to more easily escape
suspicion, Kruder inhabited an unfrequented neigh-
bourhood. He usually remained at home until ten in
the morning, the hour at which he went to his office.
When he had finished his government work, he com-
menced his active and errant life, and this was pro-
longed late into the night. If he had to meet any
one, he made an appointment, sometimes at a cafi^
sometimes in a friend's house. To meet him, Jacob
went to the dwelling of a young Jew, Bartold by
name, the proprietor of a manufactory and a hard-
ware merchant. His placce was full of visitors every
day, a fact which could be easily explained by the im-
portance of his business.
Well brought up and honest, he was not, however, a
believer like Jacob. In religious matters he was sat-
isfied to select the morals and repudiate the dogmas.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
226 THE JEW,
but yet he proclaimed himself a Jew with a certain
boastfulness. It pleased him to say : "If the Eu-
ropean aristocracy are proud of tracing their origin
back to the Crusades, I ought to be very proud of
mine, which goes back much farther. I am a descend-
ant of the tribe of Levi. That takes the place of
arms or crests. My ancestors guarded the Ark of the
Covenant in Solomon's temple ; it is, at least, as great
an honour as to have fought with the Saracens."
Public agitation naturally increased the number of
visitors at Bartold's, and he had put at their disposal
two large rooms •of his house. It was a neutral
ground for political discussions. It was a place of re-
union sheltered from the police. Bartold took a great
interest in these meetings, for, in spite of his Israelitish
genealogy, he was a Pole at heart. He was thirty
years old, tall, muscular, and well formed. His eyes
shone with more than ordinary intelligence. His
manner disclosed the serenity of an honest man who
followed the right path, and whose conscience was
clear. He loved to laugh and to joke, but under all
this he concealed a warm, humane, and charitable
heart. He received Jacob with cries of joy and open
arms.
"You could not have come to us," cried he, "in a
more opportune moment. You come to advise with
us, do you not?"
With Bartold and Kruder there was a young Pole
belonging to the most advanced party of patriotic
enthusiasm.
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A POLITICAL MEETING.
227
Kruder took his hat to go, but Jacob detained him.
"Pardon, monsieur," said he; "will you wait a
moment? I have come to seek you here, I have
something to tell you."
" If it is not a personal affair you can speak freely
before these gentlemen. We are all friends here."
" Do you know Ivas? " asked the Jew abruptly.
" I know him well. He was with me at the uni-
versity at Kief. What has become of him? Have
you met him anywhere? "
"Yes, in Italy. I brought him with me to the
Polish frontier."
" And where is he at present ? "
"In a hiding-place that I found for him, but he
insists on coming to Warsaw. I fear that would be
dangerous for him. They are seeking him, and his
description is known." •
" I do not agree with you. He had few acquain-
tances^ and after some years of absence he must
have changed enough not to be recognized. We
could easily find an asylum for him here where he
could escape the police. It would be prudent, how-
ever, for him to secure a communal passport."
" May he soon join us," said the young man of the
extreme party. " He will be very useful to our
cause. We will undertake to conceal him. I have
often heard of him; he belongs to the Lithuanian
provinces. Nothing could be better. We will send
him there to make converts to our cause. What can
we do to l)ring him here? "
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228 THE JEW,
" And,'* asked KLruder, looking at Jacob, " what are
Ivas' feelings ? You see that here we are all fire, all
flame."
" I fear he has too much fire," said Jacob. " Dele-
terious fire, alas I This flame is, to my mind, the flame
of despair. It will drive men to unreasonable acts."
" Behold a cautious man ! " cried the young Pole,
paling with wrath ; " the sentiments of your race can
be expressed in two words, — self-interest and logic.
We Poles, on the contrary, are led by what you call
folly. Is heroism folly? Then it will be by folly
that we shall triumph."
" I am not," replied Jacob, " an exclusive partisan
of cold reason. Logic leads one astray at times. In
a question of life or death for the country's salvation
we should not depend entirely on cold reasoning, nor
wholly on enthusiasm. Reasoners and enthusiasts
are equally at fault, are both on the wrong path."
"Would you, then, have a mixture of folly and
reason?"
" Precisely. And I wish it for the common good.
In it you will find the veritable national instinct."
" No, no ! Popular opinion aspires to a revolution
which will accomplish our deliverance."
" The revolutionary agitation is only at the surface,"
said Jacob. " In the bottom of all hearts there are
forebodings of the evils which may arise from a pre-
mature explosion."
" If such are your opinions, I present you my
compliments, and I salute you."
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A POLITICAL MEETING.
229
" Wilk," interrupted Kruder, " do not allow your-
self to become so angry."
"Why does he irritate me, then?" replied the
young enthusiast, a little appeased.
" However, I withdraw my brusque adieu and will
remain."
" Be seated, gentlemen," said Bartold. " We are go-
ing to serve tea, and you, Kruder, you must not go yet."
" I am expected at ten meetings."
" You can shirk five of them."
" I cannot, however, miss my interview with Count
A. Z., nor the meeting of the Agricultural Society,
nor the University debate, nor the Association for
Popular Publications, nor" —
" You are verily a much-sought-for man, but, if
I were you, I would throw from my shoulders a good
half of these burdens; childish bluster, rhetorical
competitions, a war of words of patriotic agitation,
behold to what you are invited ! You wish to direct
everything and everybody ; take care that you do not
become a blunted tool in the end."
Kruder shook his head as if to say, " It will never
be." But at heart he felt that in his friend's warn-
ing he had something to fear.
After a general conversation he left the room with
Wilk, and they talked over the measures necessary
to secure Ivas' safety.
Alone, Jacob and Bartold embraced warmly, for
they loved each other like brothers, despite the ration-
alism of the one and the piety of the other.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
230 THE JEW,
They had an animated discussion on the situation
of the Jews in Poland and throughout the world.
Jacob, as was his custom, spoke at length on the
apostleship he intended undertaking.
"You will lose your time and your efforts," said
Bartold ; " the era of religious convictions is passed.
We live in an age of reason, where it is useless to
wish to resuscitate the beliefs of antiquity and of the
Middle Ages. The structures which sheltered the
wings of the cherubim have crumbled away and can
never be raised."
Jacob listened attentively, but his convictions were
not shaken. He was persuaded of the necessity of a
reform in Judaism that should reestablish the authority
of the Mosaic law.
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A SIREN'.
ZZl
CHAPTER XII.
A SIREN.
After some weeks of sojourn at Warsaw Jacob met
in the street Luci Coloni, accompanied by Gromof,
her Russian cavalier of the grotto at Sestri. He was
hastening to salute them, when he perceived that the
lady and her companion turned as if to avoid him.
Why this myster}'? Jacob was puzzled, and paused
on his way.
Ivas' affairs were soon arranged ; it was no longer
necessary to watch over him, and, freed from that
anxiety, he dreamed of commencing his Judaic re-
form. He realized that he had two formidable obsta-
cles to encounter, — on one side indifference, on the
other, superstition. The superstitious would regard
him as an atheist, the indifferent, as a bigoted
fanatic.
Discouraged for the moment, as almost all reform-
ers have been, he sought to regain his former enthu-
siasm by reading the Bible and the Talmud. To this
end he shut himself up for several days, and came out
determined to make converts, not among the old,
whose convictions were settled, but among the youth,
who were still animated with noble instincts. These it
was whose opinion he would strive to form, Weary
Digitized by VjOOQIC
332 THE JEW.
with his long meditations he was going out to walk in
the fresh air, when he was handed a note from
Madame Wtorko>^'ska, written on satin paper, the con-
tents of which were as follows : —
We shall be very happy to see M. Jacob at our house this
evening. There will be a few friends and a little mnsic.
Benigna Wtorkowska.
Jacob was not in the humour to accept, but he re-
flected that it would be impolite to refuse, and that
perhaps he might meet Mathilde there, so he accepted
the invitation.
The little villa occupied by the Wtorkowskas was
a masterpiece of that modem art which transforms
real misery into lying luxury. Nothing had been paid
for, from the servants* livery to the satin robe worn
by the hostess, and the lace-covered velvet dress of
the charming daughter.
The refreshments, the bonbons, the flowers, were
all obtained on credit. Twice a week Hermann and
Grossmann demanded the money for the Pleyel grand
piano, but in vain. The shabbiness of the furniture
was concealed by new covers, the broken places in
the frames of the pictures and mirrors were twined
with ivy.
With all these frauds and ruses the littie house, seen
by the light of innumerable wax candles, took on an air
of freshness and elegance. The studied disorder of
objects thrown carelessly on the table was the result
of long thought. Here, a French romance was dis-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A SIREN. 233
played, to show acquaintance with current literature \
there, pieces of classical music, to show the degree of
perfection arrived at by the fair performer. On one
side lay a photograph album containing portraits of
celebrated men, implying a personal acquaintance
with them.
Jacob arrived a little late. The company was too
numerous for the salon, and the room was crowded.
The guests occupied the couches and chairs, and
some remained standing against the wall. There was
heat and noise, and to move about demanded much
skiU.
Madame Wtorkowska received Jacob with studied
politeness. Muse advanced toward him with a smile
which she had practised before the glass. She led
him to a little group where Mathilde was seated.
Madame Segel wore a white robe, and on her breast
was a large bmich of camellias of the same colour.
She was pale ; on the approach of Jacob she lifted
her head, and greeted him with a slight blush and a
melancholy smile.
After that the poor woman relapsed into a glacial
torpor. Henri stood behind the chair of Mademoiselle
Muse, whose toilet was so decollete that all admirers
of certain feminine charms could feast their eyes to
their hearts' content. Her thick and glossy braids
were twined around her head in classic style, and
served admirably to bring out the splendour of her
eyes and complexion. She had the lively and brilliant
expression of a lioness seeking whom she might devour.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
234 ^-^^ y^^'
Her crimson velvet dress, covered with costly lace,
bought on credit, became her admirably, and gave her
a queenly air. On her lovely arm sparkled a large
bracelet set with rubies.
Mathilde resembled an aerial spirit descended in a
cloud of moonlit rays; Muse, a bacchante^ full of
sensuous vitality.
Henri whispered in Jacob's ear : —
" If I were free like you, I would not hesitate an
instant ; I would propose to this siren."
" And if I were in your place, and had such a wife
as you have, I would not even look at her," said
Jacob coldly.
Segel smiled ironically, pushed back his black hair
from his forehead, and drew near Muse.
" Can you guess, mademoiselle," asked he in a low
voice, "what advice I have just been giving Jacob?"
The charmer replied sweetly in an indifferent tone,
although she perfectly understood what had passed
between the two men.
" How can I guess, monsieur? "
" I advised him to fall in love with you."
" What bad advice ! "
"Why?"
" Because I can never love any^ one."
"No one?" asked Henri tenderly.
" You have said it. I consider love as a dangerous
malady, against which one should be on guard."
" A malady rarely fatal," said Henri smiling.
" No matter; I am afraid of it,"
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A SIHEN,
235
" A bad §ign. It is said that there is much more
danger of taking typhus or cholera when one fears it.
It is a bad omen ! Jacob " —
" Why, monsieur, why do you speak to me of this
philosopher, this savant ? "
" Hardly a philosopher : a mystic, a fanatic."
"Who flies from me," said Muse. "Help me,
then, to tame him a little. I would like to talk with
this savage."
" What would I not do for you, mademoiselle ? I
will bring him to your feet, be sure of that."*
"You wish to marry him," thought Henri. " I will
assist you, but I will claim my reward."
The treaty was concluded without further discus-
sion, without protocol, between these two congenial
spirits. Segel, wishing to hasten the execution, went
to Jacob. He took his arm and said : —
" Come, then, to the divine Muse, who wishes to
talk with you about Italy, with which her imagination
is full."
" I fear I am not capable of doing justice to the
subject," said Jacob.
" No matter. Come and try." So saying, he led
him towards her, almost by force.
" This Jacob," said he to Muse, " is the most
conscientious of tourists ; he has travelled over Italy
on foot while I went by the railway. He can tell you
about it a hundred times better than I. He can
speak to you of that land of art of which you have
dreamed."
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236 THE JEW.
Muse, all smiles, turned to Jacob and said : —
'* At last, monsieur, I have caught you, whether you
will or not ; you must tell me of that Italy where I
am always begging mamma to take me."
" I regret very much not to be enough master of
my subject to give you a just idea of that beautiful
land. It is not sufficient merely to have visited it, one
must have lived there to fully appreciate its beauties."
" Pardon me, but I do not agree with you. Travel-
lers often know more of a country than its inhabi-
tants."
" Superficially, yes ; but the spirit, the soul of a
country, only reveals itself after long study."
" Italy is delightful, is it not ? "
This question was not a skilful one. But it was
necessary to get Jacob started on some subject,
so that she could exercise all the feminine seduc-
tions of a determined woman, resolved to succeed,
and employ all the resources of her consummate
art, aided by her natural charms. What an actress
she was ! An actress in every glance, every move-
ment, even in the inflexions of her voice ! She
spoke feelingly without the least inner emotion ; she
spoke of feelings of which she only knew from hear-
say. Judging all men more or less vain, she sought
by delicate flattery to fascinate and subjugate them.
By turns lively or melancholy, sensible or careless, she
was charming under all circumstances.
However, she made no impression on Jacob, who
remained cold and impassible. As if to alleviate his
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A SIREN,
m
enforced captivity, he at times glanced at the chaste
and pure woman who was seated not far from him
absorbed in melancholy, and who seemed to him like
an ideal queen covered with a saintly aureola.
Muse was exasperated by Jacob's invulnerable in-
difference, but desired more than ever to bring him
to her feet. She let her evident efforts to enslave
him be seen. Her mother surveyed the manoeuvres
of her daughter, which she found too bold, although
she could not help admiring the audacity with which
the attack was made.
Jacob was obliged, at the request of Muse, to
conduct her to the piano. She took off her gloves
slowly, and, coquettishly, radiant, continued her con-
versation in a low voice, so as to give the idea that a
sort of intimacy was established between them.
" My dear," remarked Madame N. to Madame X.,
'' Emusia is conducting herself in a scandalous
manner."
" Bah ! Young ladies of her stamp always succeed
in their matrimonial pursuits."
Just then the mistress of the house came to them,
and Madame X. said : —
"We have just been speaking of your charming
daughter. She is really enchanting this evening.
Madame N. and I cannot take our eyes off her. She
turns the head of every one, — even the old."
"My Emusia," replied Madame Wtorkowska, "is
all simplicity, all candour, although sometimes her very
simplicity and frankness look like coquetry."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
238 THE JEW,
At this reply from the mother, her two guests ex-
changed glances behind her back.
" Why, she has taken Jacob by storm," cried his
former guardian to Mann. " This Muse outdoes her-
self on his account. She did not trouble herself to
amuse him before he got his fortune. It was not worth
while to notice the poor beggar for whose education I
paid."
" The Berlin banker's legacy has made him a de-
sirable match. She will finish by capturing him," said
Mann.
" I don't believe it, for I know my Jacob. He is
not at ease in her society. You cannot catch all fish
with the same hook. My son-in-law, Henri, would
have taken the bait immediately. Jacob is afraid of
her. He likes quiet women who are modest and
timid. He is a poet."
" Certainly the creature is far from that, and I con-
gratulate the man who " —
Mann did not finish his remark, for suddenly the
music ceased. Jacob was free from the chains of
courtesy. He seated himself near Mathilde, who re-
ceived him with a smile.
The pale moonlight streamed in from the windows
which opened on the veranda, and the light was soft-
ened by the leaves of the wild vines, which, with their
long serpentine clusters, climbed over ever)^hing.
They both wished to fly from this crowd, both
wished to be alone ; but to put this project into execu-
tion was not easy.
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Google
A SIREN,
239
Again Muse played, and under her skilful fingers
the notes wept, groaned, sang, murmured, and sighed.
It was Liszt's music. Every one was enchanted.
" She is wonderful," said Mathilde. " As for my-
self, when I have been a half-hour at the piano I am
fatigued. It seems to me that my tired soul flies
away with the sounds. But what power she has ! She
laughs at difficulties, and rises even fresher and more
radiant."
" It is there, truly, that one finds the difference be-
tween her playing and yours. You put your soul into
it. Her playing does not affect me at all. It is as if
the piano played alone. With you, the soul sings to
me."
" No, she is a true artiste. I am only a musician."
" I cannot admire the artists of the present day.
They are but the masters of their art, skilled work-
men who know all the tricks of their trade. The
shepherd who by inspiration plays on his bagpipe a
simple air, be it very simple, very primitive, is much
more an artist than this or that fashionable performer.
Like everything else, art has been profaned in these
days ; it has become mercenary ; it is a bread-winner,
and not a priesthood. The artist of to-day strives for
the fame that pays best, and not for the contentment
of his soul. Who, then, now-a-days would paint fres-
coes for nothing but piety and for the love of God ?
Music, literature, painting, all at present go to the
highest bidder. Muse belongs to the modern school.
She has art, but art without soul. She plays Liszt and
Digitized by VjOOQIC
240 THE JEW,
Walberg, but Chopin is inaccessible to her. She
seizes the bizarre side of Schumann, but the pathetic
side, never ! "
"You judge her a little too severely. There is in
the depths of her heart a little divine light, on her
brow a little flame. But, alas ! the unfortunates are
not sure of to-morrow's bread, and I cannot help re-
garding with pity this woman and her daughter, for I
know their situation."
" Are they not rich? "
" No ! They are poor, very poor, though they
affect riches."
" This is frightful. This comedy of luxury is
odious. The tears of dupes will pay for it. Indi-
gence with courageous labour is a hundred times to
be admired."
" It is true, but false pride " —
" That word tells all ; it is real deceit."
"She pains me," said Mathilde. "Under the vel-
vet there must be tears and anxiety; at the door
poverty waits while they serve a sumptuous repast ;
to-morrow, solitude after the brilliant reunion of
to-day. What a tragedy ! It pains me even to think
of it."
Muse ceased to play.
Every one applauded, and Henri hastened to kiss
the artiste's hand. Mathilde, who was stifling in this
atmosphere, said to Jacob, —
" Let us go out a moment and get some fresh air.
No one will miss us. I cannot breathe."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A SIREN,
241
They passed through the crowd and reached the
veranda. Muse followed them with her eyes, and
turned ironically upon Henri.
" I see," replied he to the mute question, " that
my wife was too warm. She has gone out on the
veranda with Jacob."
" Then you are not jealous? "
" Near you, mademoiselle, I think of you alone."
" You have no right to talk thus."
" Do you not know that that which is illegal is
most attractive to men?"
" You are perversity in person ! "
" Alas ! a god would succumb before you, how
much more a simple mortal."
" Truly, monsieur, you flatter me."
" No, mademoiselle, I assure you."
Then he spoke to her in a low voice with much
familiarity, and with a perfect understanding.
When Mathilde left the salon she gave her hand
to Jacob at the threshold.
" What is the matter, my child? " said he tenderly.
" I feel very happy," said she ; " I know not why,
and very calm. I desire nothing. It seems as if my
Hfe were slipping away little by little. You are by
my side ; I am sure of your affection. What further
happiness can I have? "
" There would be very few who would be satisfied
with a chaste love like ours. When I observe in the
world the different personalities, different characters,
I think, mademoiselle " —
Digitized by VjOOQIC
242 THE JEW.
" Why do you call me mademoiselle ? "
" I think, I say, that there are in each human
being two powers who are antagonistic, like God and
Satan. The contrasts are often striking. For exam-
ple, you and Muse."
" Do not judge her so harshly ; you should be in-
dulgent to all."
" Very well. Who, then, are pure and innocent in
the depths of their souls around us ? Life is short.
Every one must taste the bitter cup. Every one has
his troubles, and most men, instead of seeking hap-
piness in their own souls, seek it elsewhere and find it
not. The world terrifies me with its variety of ele-
ments where evil predominates over good. I cannot
understand this predominance of evil."
" That is one of God*s secrets, incomprehensible to
our finite intelligence. What good will it do us to try,
like the Titans, by force to pierce the closed heavens?
Man seems to be the plaything of an implacable
irony. He bears within him the sparks of an ardent
fire, but he does not succeed in developing a large
flame, for the wind of his passions scatters the fire-
brands. In his heart exist noble sentiments which
are changed into gross appetite. Man grows more
corrupt instead of purer. All is surprise in life ; all
an enigma. Then this dream of immortality and a
future existence. Can we believe it? "
She smiled sadly, and Jacob listened. Under their
eyes lay a superb view. A light breeze murmured
through the dark foliage of the old trees in the ave-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A SIREN.
243
nue. In the sky, the moon glided through the deep
azure, and the stars twinkled as if to shake slumber
from their eyelids. In the distance could be heard
the faint sound of the city.
"In contemplating creation," said Jacob, "do you
not hear something within you say that we shall live
beyond the tomb? That thought should destroy all
fear for the future. Even if thousands of years of
faith do not confirm this hope, it shines in the reply
of the soul like stars in the depths of a well.'*
" It is impossible," said Mathilde. " In any case,
the other life will not be like this. My future will
not be a continuation of this miserable existence.
Perhaps I shall come again to live on earth. Oh,
who knows an)rthing about it? "
"This death, so terrible to most of us, is repre-
sented in our Hebrew books as a sweet, an easy, pas-
sage to another existence. The Talmud, Berakhot 5,
calls it the kiss of God."
" How sorry I am not to have read those books,
and to know so little of the Hebrew language ! I have
been educated for the world. My soul has not been
nourished. The tempest of doubt has overthrown it."
"There is yet time, dear Mathilde."
"No, it is too late. Faith is the beverage of
youthful souls. When unbelief is developed, the
ground is dried up and a new graft cannot shoot
forth. But God is full of mercy and pity. He will
not punish us when we are not in fault. He will
make allowances for our education."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
244 ^^^ y^^'
They were silent, but had no desire to return to
the salon f where Muse, at the piano, was playing one
of Liszt's most brilliant compositions.
" Come, Jacob," said Mathilde, " you must do your
duty. Go and compliment Muse. I will not be
jealous. She is on the wrong path ; you can convert
and save her."
" It is too late ; that which you falsely said about
yourself applies to her. Her intelligence and her
heart have matured, and her character is already
formed."
They entered the salon, Mathilde's first glance
showed her husband leaning on the back of Muse's
chair, and his tender glances told that he was very
much impressed. She did not feel the slightest cha-
grin. She was completely indifferent to Henri, and
she rejoiced to think that he amused himself else-
where, provided he spared her all importunate tender-
ness.
Madame Wtorkowska was very nervous ; she feared
that the entertainment would not lead to the de-
sired results. Jacob seemed absolutely indifferent
to her daughter's charms; as for the other young
men, they all admired her, but at a distance ; and the
marked attentions of Henri Segel displeased her be-
cause they came from a married man. With music,
singing, cards, tea, and supper, the soiree was pro-
longed to a late hour. The elder guests took leave un-
der pretext of engagements in the morning. Mathilde
went home, as she had a headache, and left the field
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A SIREN,
245
free to her husband. Jacob had accompanied her to
her door, and had received his orders to return. This
thinning out of the rooms favoured the charmer's plans.
The young man carelessly turned the leaves of an
album; his conduct during the evening had strictly
conformed to the rules of politeness. Yet this cold
observation of the proprieties exasperated Madame
Wtorkowska, who resolved to undertake his subjuga-
tion herself. She drew near him, and, as Jacob rose
to give her his seat she said, taking his arm : —
" Monsieur, let us walk a little, and tell me about
yourself. Now that you have returned to us, what
do you intend to do? "
Surprised by these attentions, he replied : —
" I intend to study and lead a life of leisure. "
" We have heard so much in your praise," said she,
" that we were very desirous of knowing you."
" I am infinitely obliged, madame."
"Especially, Emusia. She admires such men."
She could not find an adjective to designate exactly
what kind of men, and added after a moment of
hesitation : —
" 1 mean superior men. For, you see, my Emu-
sia is a young girl of talent. What intelligence, what
gifts ! She devours an incredible quantity of books.
Her memory is prodigious. Her wit is of the finest
quality. In short, if she were not my daughter I
would say that she is a marvel."
"That is what I hear fi-om every one," said Jacob
politely.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
246 THE JEW,
" My situation," continued she, " is an anxious one,
for I have a mother's heart. To whom will my
cherished one give herself? Will he appreciate her?
Alas, the young men of to-day are so frivolous ! "
" Mademoiselle Emusia has but to choose."
" How little you know the young men, monsieur ! "
For want of breath the mother stopped. She had
commenced the battle with so much impetuosity that
she was already worn out. She could think of nothing
more to say. She was driven to her last intrench-
ments, and, on his side, Jacob had exhausted all his
praises. Notwithstanding, after a moment of reflec-
tion she took breath and continued : —
" You, who are so great a connoisseur, what do you
think of Emusia's playing? "
" It is truly marvellous, madame."
" Liszt, the master, was stupefied with astonishment
when my daughter played for him his overture to
Guillautne Otello. He watched her execute this, that,
all the most difficult parts, and was wild with enthu-
siasm. It was at Spa. There was such clapping of
hands, bravos that almost shook the house, an ava-
lanche of bouquets ! What an ovation, mon Dieu ! "
" It was merited, no doubt."
"Oh, yes," said the mother. "An Erard piano
fairly spoke under her fingers. She has such strength
and incredible power."
She was thus extolling her daughter when the yotmg
lady herself came to join in the conversation. Her
eyes shone wrathfully. The more invulnerable Jacob
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A SIREN.
247
showed himself, the more she was determined to
bring him to her feet. Henri had given her the key
to the character of this man, whom he called a
religious fanatic. She resolved to read and study the
Bible, and even the Talmud, if necessary. Already
she commenced to play her new r61e.
" I detest these noisy pleasures," said she. " Read-
ing, meditation, quiet, they are the things that I
love. And you?"
" I also love study and tranquillity," said Jacob.
" You men," said Muse, " have everything in your
favour. You can, at your "pleasure, devote yourselves
to intellectual occupations ; you are not slaves to the
obligations of society, as we poor women are. You
cannot imagine what a humiliation it is for a young
girl to be taken continually here and there, and shown
like merchandise."
"Mademoiselle, although what you say is partly
true, I assure you that the mothers and daughters
exaggerate these pretended obligations. Our poet,
Krasicki, has said somewhere, ' Nothing ever comes
of a dialogue prepared with too much care.* "
" That is very true, monsieur. Also most matches
that end happily are made without thought, and as it
were by a miracle."
" Yes, I am convinced of that."
" And it is probably by a miracle also," added the
elder woman, " that marriages are maintained."
" Have you been in the Orient? " asked Emusia, to
change the conversation.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
248 THE JEW,
" Yes, mademoiselle, and I bring back a sad im-
pression. The land of poetry is to-day the land of
misery. The cradle of civilization has become the
tomb."
" But there are still traces there of biblical times,
are there not? " asked Muse.
"Certainly. The costumes, the habits, the land-
scape, all remind one of the Bible. As in old days^
Rachel still leads her flocks to water, and the white-
bearded patriarchs still welcome you to their tents."
" All that must be very interesting."
" Not for the children of a civilization, enervated
and weakened. We can no longer live this poetical
life. It is rigid, painful, grave, primitive, and labori-
ous. It impresses us, notwithstanding its poetry, with
a strange emotion toward the fountains which now are
dried up."
" And the old biblical traditions? "
" They clash on all sides. With us the old traditions
are preserved, like withered plants in an herbarium ;
while there they still live, mixed with the daily exist-
ence. With what emotion one contemplates stones
taken from the aqueducts of Solomon, the ruins of
the temple, the places sanctified by the patriarchs !
Christians and Jews both find there the cradle of their
faith. In Europe we are only colonists."
Emusia had taken a reclining attitude near Jacob,
and listened with great attention. The mother profited
by the occasion, and left them alone. Thus these two,
in the midst of a crowd, found themselves alone.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A SIREN.
249
Simple politeness forbade Jacob's retreat. Muse
attempted to magnetize him by her glances, by her
gestures, by the sight of her gleaming shoulders, by
her beauty, while she idly played with her bracelet,
her rings, and her embroidered handkerchief, useless
for any other purpose.
The young man scarcely perceived these affected
and enticing airs.
" I know not," said she with hesitation, " if it be
owing to the blood that flows in my veins, but this
Orient has for me a certain attraction. It is thither
that my desires tend. It has been torn from us, and
we have been forced to forget it. It is a source of
sadness for me that I know a mass of useless things,
and that I am ignorant of that which most interests
me."
"What, for example?" asked Jacob, interested in
spite of himself.
" I will tell you," replied she, in a low voice with
a feigned alarm, " provided mamma does not hear me.
I am curious about all that concerns us that is Jewish.
A Christian nominally, I am of Jewish blood, and
Jesus has declared that he did not come to destroy
the ancient law. Mamma, like many of our race,
avoids and forbids all allusion to the past."
" If you really wish it, mademoiselle, you can easily
become familiar with our traditions ; you have only to
consult several books."
" Alas ! I do not know Hebrew."
" There are translations in many languages."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
250 THE JEW.
" Really ? Could you not secretly lend me one or
two ? I would be very grateful to you ; but it must
remain a secret between us."
This was a skilful move. Mystery brought them
together. Emusia quietly put her little hand into
Jacob's, and pressed it warmly as if to thank him.
This grasp produced on the young man the effect of
an electric current. He felt uneasy, troubled, and
confused, as if he had committed a sin.
" I will send you some volumes," murmured he.
" That is not all," said she sweetly, still keeping
her hand in his. " Guide me in the study for which
I thirst. I have hours of liberty ; mamma goes out
often, and I am at home alone. 1 depend on you to
be my master, my instructor, in the first principles of
the faith of our ancestors. This may appear a little
odd on my part, but you will excuse my ardent desire
for light."
« I fear" —
" No scruples, monsieur ! If I have appeared im-
pressed by you, I assure you it was only because I wish
to learn from you something of Judaism."
A slight feeling of suspicion entered Jacob's mind,
but he thrust it away from him with contempt. He
would not admit that acting could be carried so far.
He believed that Muse was sincere, and he arose to
go with a much better opinion of her than when he
came. She seemed to him more beautiful than before,
and with something poetical about her. He sought
already in his imagination for the biblical type to
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A SIREN, 251
which this strayed lamb of the fold of Israel belonged.
He felt no sympathy for her yet, but his curiosity was
awakened and his repugnance had disappeared.
Emusia was radiant, and in her triumph said to
herself: —
" I have hit Achilles in the heel."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
252 THE JEW,
CHAPTER XIII.
AKIBA.
Jacob, admonished by Mann, bantered by Henri,
lectured by his former guardian, and opposed by Bar-
told, had, nevertheless, commenced his apostleship.
He essayed to group around him the youth of Israel,
for the old men were against all jeform.
The most polished and the best educated did not
like to recall their origin, nor to hear of the religion
of their fathers. This was grievous. The disciples
did not appear ; all minds were absorbed in the revo-
lutionary movement. Jacob's activity became more
and more circumscribed. His co-religionists avoided
him ; but in spite of this abandonment, in spite of his
isolation, he still clung to his ideas. He hoped to
convince by his example, and to gain followers when
calm should succeed the present political agitation
and society regain its normal condition.
He was sadly afflicted to see the irreligion of the
youth of Israel, irreligion much more widespread than
he had at first supposed. In the desert around him
any mark of sympathy would naturally move him,
touch him, and console him, and Muse profited by
these circumstances.
She put herself in possession of Jacob's ideas, pro-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AKIBA.
253
cured the books recommended, and reading the ones
he lent her, learned some things, guessed more, and
thus armed, went forth to combat with fair chances of
victory. Madame Wtorkowska had adroitly seized the
opportunity of drawing nearer him whom she already
called, to herself, her son-in-law. She took possession
of the first story of a house of which the Jew occupied
the second. As there was nothing easier to ascertain
than when the recluse was at home, they sent to his
rooms under pretext of returning books or to ask the
loan of new ones. Then they begged him to come
down to them. They also met him often on the
stairs.
Emusia became a fervent and intelligent disciple,
and the apostle felt more and more flattered by this
adhesion.
" Would you believe it," said she one evening to
her mother, "the fool imagines that I am nearly
ready to embrace Judaism, while in reality his Bible
and his Talmud, with all their silly old legends and
their stupid stories, weary me dreadfully."
" Do you believe that the idea of marriage has en-
tered his head ? "
" Bah ! I will put it there when I wish."
" In that case you had better do it as soon as pos-
sible."
" I am awaiting a favourable opportunity. With this
man it is not the senses, but the heart, on which we
must count, and we must not be in haste. Be tran-
quil, I lie in wait for the moment."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
254 ^^^ JEW,
" How do you watch for it ? Flirting with Henri ?
God knows that if you were only safely married
to Jacob I would not care how much you saw of
Henri ; but as you are not, I think these badinages
are very ill-timed and take your mind off the principal
business."
" I know what I am doing, mamma ; the best tac-
tics with Jacob are to proceed slowly. If we try to
hasten matters we may lose all."
"Well, work it your own way."
This phrase always terminated the altercations be-
tween Muse and her mother.
The young girl's calculation was not destitute of
judgment. Jacob did not love her, but he was be-
coming accustomed to her. As for the thought of
marriage, it had never entered his head. His heart
was filled with Mathilde, this fading flower that
charmed him more each day. One thing only
drew him to Emusia; it was the fervour that she
manifested for the Bible and the Hebrew traditions,
nothing more.
The mother did not altogether approve her daugh-
ter's plans, and shrugged her shoulders, saying : —
" If he escapes we are lost."
" Oh, no ! It is not my Waterloo. I have not staked
all on him. I have still the stage," said she laughing ;
and she continued to simulate an ardent admiration
for the Jew and his doctrines, while at the bottom she
detested them all. With Henri, on the contrary, full
of familiarity and enjoyment, she was in her clement.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AKIBA. 255
The better to insinuate herself in Jacob's good
graces, she flattered his mania by suggesting to him
the thought of giving lectures on Judaism. He fell
into the trap with enthusiasm, in spite of the obstacles
which he knew he would encounter. His friends,
under one pretext or another, refused to give their
houses for this edifying purpose. At last Bartold,
against his will, but for friendship's sake, put his at
the Jew's disposition.
Israelites alone were invited. The only exceptions
were Madame Wtorkowska and her daughter, as was
very natural. Many Jews, for fear of being accused
of superstition and ridicule, excused themselves at the
last moment, feigning indisposition.
The room was large and commodious. It had no
Jewish features, for the master of the house lived in
European style, although without luxury. Ostentation
was nowhere to be seen in the dwelling of this descend-
ant of Levi, who, with all his boasting of his biblical
nobility, was really an honest and a modest man and
a good Polish citizen.
That evening Madame Bartold had put her chil-
dren to bed at an early hour. She was dressed in
good taste, and took great care that nothing should
be wanting in any direction.
The ladies were in the minority, — Madame
Wtorkowska, Emusia, Mathilde, and two others.
Among the men were missing Mann and Mathilde's
father, who thought all this Hebrew nonsense the issue
of a diseased imagination. Kruder was there, for
Digitized by VjOOQIC
256 THE JEW,
he desired admittance to all reunions. Ivas also, and
Wilk, who sought everywhere converts to the revolu-
tionary cause. Henri had come, ostensibly to escort
his wife, but really to converse freely with Muse. He
often visited her ; but her mother was always present,
and she frequently took advantage of his attentions
to her daughter to borrow money of the gallant vis-
itor, whose passion disposed him to pecuniary sacri-
fices.
At nine o'clock the room was full. Madame Bar-
told, crimson with fatigue, and redder still with timid-
ity, sought to give every one a seat.
On a table loaded with books was a carafe of
water, a glass, and some sugar. All awaited the lec-
turer.
They commenced by serving tea to the company ;
then Jacob appeared. A solemn silence indicated
that his audience was prepared to listen attentively.
Not being accustomed to speaking in public, he looked
around him, and commenced in a weak and hesitat-
ing voice, which gradually grew stronger.
" Ladies and Gentlemen : It is not without appre-
hension that as a Jew I present myself before Jews,
many of whom blush for their origin ; before Jews who
know the history of France and England better than
their own history ; before Jews who know more of San-
scrit literature than of the Bible. From all sides we
have been reproached for our spirit of retirement and
of separation. We have been constrained to it, and
the fault was not with us. How much more justly
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AKIBA.
257
could men to-day make the merited reproach of
our having ceased to be ourselves, and of losing
our own identity without identifying ourselves with
others. We are here in continual antagonism with
the country we inhabit, to which many ties should
unite us. It appears that even that does not
suffice us, and we have divorced ourselves from our
own past.
" It is this past, with its poetry, that I would recall
to you ; for the time has come to appreciate it, and I
wish to show you some of its characteristic beauties.
"Without culling here and there detached frag-
ments of this treasure, I prefer to relate to you the
entire life of a man who holds a place in sacred and
legendary history. My hero is the celebrated Akiba.
" Akiba was so poor in his youth that he served as
a shepherd for the wealthy Kalba Chaboua. He be-
came enamoured of his master's daughter, and this
love was the source of his wisdom. The young girl
responded to the tender sentiment, but she made it
the spur of an intelligence of which she had divined
the value and the extent.
" * If you wish me to marry you,' said she, ' you
must promise to devote your life to science.'
" Akiba promised, and they were married clandes-
tinely. Kalba Chaboua discovered the secret, dis-
owned his daughter, and drove them from his house.
They wandered a long time without shelter, sleeping
at lyght under the open sky. For a bed they had
only a small bundle of straw, and tradition relates that
Digitized by VjOOQIC
258 THE JEW.
one morning the beautiful black hair of the young
woman was full of straws. Akiba drew them out
gently, and lamented their hard fate.
" ' Dearest,* said he tenderly, * if I could I would
give thee rich garments, and I would hang on thy
neck a golden Jerusalem,' — an ornament which rep-
resented the city of Jerusalem, and which was much
worn among the Jewish women.
" As he said the words he was accosted by a beggar
clothed in rags.
" * Have pity on me,* cried he, ' and give me a hand-
ful of straw to put under my wife's head. She is sick,
and lying over there on the cold ground.*
" Akiba gave the poor man what he demanded.
" ' Behold,* said he, ' an unfortunate still more
wretched than ourselves ! '
" Akiba, in order to keep his promise to his wife,
decided, in spite of his repugnance, to enter the school
of Nakhum Gamsu. He was obliged to leave his wife,
who entered service, and never ceased during the
twelve years that separated them to write her husband
encouraging letters, completely forgetting her own
discomforts.
" One day, pensive and sad, Akiba followed a soli-
tary path. A little brook attracted his attention. The
water had pierced a rock by gradual dropping, and
flowed gently through.
" ' If drops of water,' remarked the future sage,
* have such power, what force will not then the human
will have.'
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AKIBA. 259
"He presented himself before his teachers without
weakness and without false shame. He commenced
with the letters of the alphabet, and in his free mo-
ments he gathered wood and sold the fagots in the
market-place. Half of his earnings fed him, the
other half clothed and lodged him.
"Akiba soon astonished his masters. From a
scholar he became an eminent professor. Thousands
of disciples grouped around him.
" During this time his wife waited. A wicked neigh-
bour insinuated that he had abandoned her and would
never return.
" * It was 1/ replied the wife, ' twelve years ago, who
begged him to leave me and devote himself to science.
If he prolong his studies twelve years longer, it will
be well.*
" Akiba heard of this advice, given indirectly, and
profited by it. After the lapse of this time he returned
to his native place. His renown had preceded him.
All the population turned out to see him, and his
wife was in the crowd. The wicked neighbour asked
her how she dared present herself in rags before such
an illustrious man.
" ' My husband knows my heart,' replied she simply.
Before she was perceived, she ran out and threw her-
self at his feet. The pupils of Akiba would have re-
pulsed her, but he said : —
" ' Let her come to me. She is my wife, and it is to
her that you and I owe much.'
"Kalba Chaboua at last forgave his daughter and his
son-in-law, and received them into his house.
Digitized by VjOOQiC
26o THE JEW,
" Akiba had two remarkable teachers, — Eliezer and
Nahum. The former was called the sealed vase, for
he never lost a drop of acquired science. The latter,
subtle and penetrating, shone by the fineness of his
analysis. Their pupil united to the erudition of the
one the critical spirit of the other.
" When he commenced his teaching the Jews had
many traditions accumulated for ages and transmitted
orally. He collected and wrote them down, accom-
panying them with commentaries intended to rec-
oncile the legends with the sacred writings. He
founded a school which attracted universal admira-
tion.
" At the epoch when he lived religious spirit fer-
mented; by the side of the philosophical sects of
Greece, Christianity developed ; Gnosticism grafted its
poetical reveries on monotheism, and differences mul-
tiplied.
" Many Jews were converted to the gospel under
one form or another. Akiba remained faithful to the
Mosaic belief. He was so profoundly absorbed in
the mystery of the divine essence, that the angels
wished to chastise him for his presumption in wishing
to know all, to penetrate all. God restrained the
wrath of these messengers, and said to them : —
" * He is worthy of meditating on my grandeur.'
" Devout as was Akiba, he excelled in modem
science. He destroyed by his criticisms many things
which his contemporaries called miraculous, rejected
the prodigious pretensions credited by superstition.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AKIBA, 261
and was pleased to demonstrate the immutability of the
laws of nature.
" Contrary to the other rabbis, he rejected the be-
lief in eternal punishment. One day, when travelling,
having with him a cock and an ass, he arrived at
a village, and went in vain from door to door asking
hospitality.
" ' God doeth all things well,* said he. This was his
favourite saying. Then he entered a deep forest, where
he sought by the light of his lantern a place to repose.
The wind put out his light, and he lay down repeating,
*God doeth all things well.* Just then a wild-cat
strangled his cock and a wolf came and tore his ass
in pieces ; still Akiba repeated ' God doeth all things
well.*
" In reality, though he had met these misfortunes he
had saved his life, which had been surely lost had he
slept in the village. His humility and confidence in
God were his chief characteristics.
" Once Akiba appeared in great spirits at the bedside
of a dying man who lamented his approaching end,
and whose friends were weeping around his bed.
When asked the cause of his gayety, —
" * There is no man without sin,* said he, * and I am
rejoiced that this one has expiated his during his life.*
" Another time it was a wise man who was tortured
with frightful pains. Three old savants, his friends,
came to console him, and spoke in praise of his wis-
dom.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
262 THE JEW,
" ' Science/ said the first, * is more useful to Israel
than the dew to the earth. The dew gives the earth
temporary life, wisdom prepares the soul for eternal
life/
"'Wisdom,' continued the second, *is more neces-
sary than the light of the sun. The one guides us
here below, the other conducts us to heaven.*
" Then the third spoke thus : —
" ' You have been to Israel more than a father and a
mother. Our parents give us earthly life; you, the
life celestial.'
" When Akiba's turn came to speak, he said sim-
ply : —
" ' It is sweet. to suffer here below.'
" * Raise me up,' cried the dying man ; ' I wish to
hear the second time these words, for they comfort me.'
" Akiba deemed suffering salutary for individuals and
for nations. He compared Israel, stained with blood
by Vespasian and his successors, to a white horse
adorned with purple reins. He was not over-scrupu-
lous in religious observances. His prayers were short.
He wore his usual simple garments on holy days, not-
withstanding the biblical command to array one's
self with particular care.
" * God,' said he, * will more readily pardon sins
committed against himself than evil done a neighbour.
The Israelite owes justice not only to the Israelites,
but to the pagans.'
" He loved to discuss morals under anecdotal form.
Here is a specimen of his method : — '
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AKIBA, 263
" Two men were in the midst of a desert. They
had only water enough for one. What ought they to
do ? To share the water was certain death to both.
'That is not the solution of the dilemma/ added
Akiba ; * one must sacrifice himself for the other, that
one, at least, should live.'
" In advance of his times, the sage had a profounci
respect for human life, and he was one of the first
opponents of the death penalty.
" Having become rich, thanks to his father-in-law, he
was a benefactor to the poor and a promoter of all
charitable associations.
" ' Whoever,' he used to say, * does not relieve a
sick person, when it is in his power to do so, is an
assassin.'
" The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple did
not weaken Akiba's faith in divine justice. While
Israel wept over the smoking ruins of the holy city,
he smiled and predicted a brighter future. He
always taught resignation to the divine will. But in-
cessant persecutions aroused in him a violent irritation
against the Romans, and a thirst for martyrdom. He
lived in an epoch when the Jews were most unfortu-
nate. Domitian continued the horrors of Vespasian
and of Titus. They struck blows on all sides, and
sought particularly a descendant of David, of whom
popular rumour proclaimed the existence, and who
intended, it was said, to avenge Israel's woes.
" Akiba converted many Romans to the Hebrew
monotheism. Flavins Clemens, a relative of the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
364 ^^^' 7^^-
emperor, was put to death for having embraced this
doctrine, and his wife was, for the same reason, con-
demned to exile. After the death of this Caesar,
Israel breathed again during the two years' reign of
Nerva and during the first ten years of the reign of
Trajan ; but they paid dearly for this short respite.
The Jews of Syria, of Mesopotamia, of Armenia and
Persia, took arms in favour of the Parthians, and drew
on themselves the wrath of Rome, whose soldiers
massacred them in great numbers. They soon took
up arms again upon the Euphrates, and revolted at
Cyprus and in Egypt. New persecutions and repres-
sions followed under the reign of Adrian.
" Akiba, a man of science, was changed by these
troubles into a man of action. He travelled over the
different parts of the empire to prepare a general up-
rising. He entered into relations with Simon, or Bar
Kokhba, called the child of destiny when he was in
the height of his prosperity, the child of lies after he
had lost his fortune.
"This Simon, intrepid, daring, and of attractive
manner, had with his majestic height all the quali-
ties required for the leader of an insurrection. He
pleased Akiba, who proclaimed him Messiah. The
title attracted thousands of volunteers, for the idea of
a deliverer sent by God was attached to the name of
Messiah. Simon admitted to the ranks of his army
only the strong and vigorous, many of whom were
able to tear a large tree from the earth with their
hands. Full of a confidence which he communicated
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AKIBA. 265
to Others^ Bar Kokhba often addressed to God this
strange prayer: —
** * If thou dost not wish to come to ray aid, at least
do not favour my foes ; for if thou dost not support
them I will vanquish them.*
"To excessive presumption he owed his ultimate
defeat after many brilliant triumphs. The Roman
governor of Palestine was completely routed. Fifty
cities or towns and nine hundred and eighty-five
villages fell into the power of the insurgents. Estab-
lished at Bitar, Bar Kokhba made that city his capi-
taly fortified it, and coined money in his own name.
Adrian was troubled. The Jews everywhere refused
to pay taxes. He sent to Britain for one of his most
able lieutenants, Julius Severus. Severus advised pa-
tience ; he attacked the Jews by detachments, and
finished by surrounding Bitar, whose inhabitants he
reduced to famine. Bar Kokhba defended his city
until death.
" It is sad to remember that this valiant chief soiled
his life by an unpardonable act. During the siege,
the wise Eliezer, Akiba*s teacher, gave himself up to
fasting and prayer. This contemplative life in the
midst of general activity was called treasonable ; the
Messiah ordered him put to death, and the devout
scholar was killed. It is estimated that a half- million
of Israelites lost their lives in this formidable revolt.
After the combat the fugitives were pitilessly pursued.
Many died of hunger in the forests and caverns, the
survivors nourished themselves on the corpses of
Digitized by VjOOQIC
266 THE JEW,
their brothers, and those who fell into the power of
the Romans were massacred or sold as slaves. Adrian
renewed the edict of Trajan, forbidding the Jews to
perform their religious rites or to teach their faith.
All literature that might maintain or propagate the
national sentiments was suppressed. Jerusalem was
peopled with Romans, and on the site of the Temple
of Solomon arose a temple to Jupiter, adorned with
his statue. They even changed the name of the vio-
lated city, calling it CElia Capitolina, from the name
CElius. The Jews were forbidden to stay there, or
even to enter. At the gate which led to Bethle-
hem the head of a pig was exposed as a permanent
insult.
"After the peace, Akiba was not immediately mo-
lested in spite of his participation in the insurrection,
— a moral participation, perhaps, but very efficacious.
He continued, contrary to the imperial edict, to explain
the holy books. He was soon arrested, on the order
of that same Rufus who had conquered the * child of
destiny,' and who was the new governor of Judea.
The old man was shut up in a dark dungeon, and his
only nourishment was bread and water. Instead of
drinking this water he used it for the ablutions pre-
scribed by the law. He was condemned to torture
and to death. In the midst of the most excruciating
sufferings, when the hour of prayer, called Chema, ar-
rived, he began to recite in a loud voice. The execu-
tioner was astonished, and asked him' if he had charms
to banish his pains.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
AKIBA,
267
" * I have no charms/ replied he calmly ; ' but 1
have always desired to offer God the sacrifice of my
life. My wish is granted, and I rejoice.'
" He continued his prayer, and reaching the words,
'There is but one God,' gave up the ghost."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
26S THE JEW
CHAPTER XIV.
ALEA JACrA EST.
The audience had listened attentively. The im-
pressions produced were different and not altogether
favourable. Some faces expressed an ironical disap-
probation, others impatience and weariness. Never-
theless, after the lecture was over they all hastened to
thank the orator with many compliments. After a
while the critics commenced : —
" Fanaticism plays a great part in this historical lec-
ture," remarked Henri Segel.
" I do not like these legends ; they are pure inven-
tion," said another.
" All these old persecutions appear improbable to-
day," added a third.
" They can, nevertheless, be renewed with the most
frightful details against us or against other nations,"
replied Jacob. " Conquerors are always savage in
their vengeance, whether they are called Nero, Do-
mitian, Trajan, Adrian, or " —
He was interrupted by some one who asked : —
" What, in the nineteenth century? "
" Yes ; in our own times. Utinam simfalsus vates!
Can I be a false prophet? "
" But, monsieur," said Muse, " you owe us something
more gay, more agreeable."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
ALE A J ACT A EST. 269
"Hebrew literature furnishes certainly agreeable
and amusing stories, but the choice is difficult."
Jacob turned some pages of the Talmud.
"The Rabbi Gamaliel, who was put to death by
Rufus in the same manner as Akiba, related one day
to a pagan prince the creation of woman in Genesis.
" * If that is true/ said the prince, * your God acts
like a malefactor, robbing a rib from Adam during
his sleep.'
" The younger daughter of Gamaliel heard of the
conversation.
" ' Permit me, father, to reply,' said sne.
"The rabbi consented, and she approached the
prince supplicatingly.
" * My lord,' said she, ' I come to demand justice.'
" ' What has happened ? '
" ' A robbery has been committed in our house : a
thief entered the house in the night and stole a silver
cup, leaving in its place a golden one.'
" * What an honest thief ! Would to Heaven we
had more like him ! ' cried the prince.
" * Very well, then, my lord. Our God is a male-
factor of the same stamp. He took from Adam a
part of his body, and gave him the beautiful Eve in
exchange.*
" * The comparison is ingenious ; but your God had
better have acted in a frank and open manner. Why
should he have employed clandestine means ? '
" The young girl said in reply : —
" * Will you permit me to bring here a piece of raw
meat ? *
Digitized by VjOOQIC
270 THE JEW.
" ' Certainly.'
"As soon as she had the meat the daughter of
Gamaliel went to the fire, cut it, and prepared it in
the presence of the astonished prince, and when it
was cooked, invited him to eat.
" * My child, I know it is well cooked, but to have
seen it done in detail takes away my appetite.'
" ' Behold why God did not wish Adam to assist at
the preparation of his wife. Perhaps he also would
not have wished to possess her.'
"The Talmud," continued Jacob, "explains why
God did not take the woman from the eyes, nor the
mouth, nor the arms."
" Suspend the conversation and conceal the Talmud.
I hear knocks at the door," said Henri.
" Why should I do that? "
" Perhaps it is a stranger ; it is not desirable that
he should surprise us in full Judaism."
"Should we, then, be ashamed of our part?" said
Jacob sadly.
Kruder, who had left the room, entered, pale and
agitated.
"What is it? " asked Bartold.
"While you have been so quiet here there has
been a massacre. The military have surprised a po-
litical meeting, and it is said that many were killed
and wounded."
" Let us go ! " cried Jacob. " Let us go where the
blood flows, and where victims are demanded. We
should be found there ; " and he seized his hat, but
Bartold withheld him.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
ALEA JACTA EST. 271
" Wait," said he ; " this is but the prologue of the
drama. It is evident that we should not hold our-
selves aloof, there I agree with you ; but we must not
act in an imprudent manner. The thing is probably
over for to-day. I propose that we consult together
as to what is best to do."
" Where, where ? " came from all sides.
" At Mann's. We can do nothing without him."
"When?"
" To-morrow morning."
Kruder threw himself in a chair. *^AIea jacta
est;' said he. " Unhappy Poland ! "
The tragedy occurred on the street, at a time when
the nobles had arrived from all parts of the kingdom,
for a general reunion of the Agricultural Society. No
one had foreseen the sinister event, no one wished for
it ; but an invisible hand seemed to precipitate it.
After he left Bartold*s, Jacob could not resist the
temptation to visit the scene of the catastrophe. A
lugubrious silence reigned there. Noiseless pedes-
trians hurriedly regained their homes, gliding silently
through the misty shadows. Here and there a sen-
tinel was stationed. On the grave faces of the sol-
diers he believed that he could read the struggle
between military honour and human duty.
Near the Hotel Europe Jacob met a group of
nobles who came out of the governmental palace ; they
were excited, and conversed in low voices. As he
passed on, by the door of the hotel, some one seized
his handy and he recognized Gromof, the companion
Digitized by VjOOQIC
272 THE JEW.
of Lucie Coloni. Taking his arm, Gromof drew him
into the house, and made him mount several pairs of
stairs without saying a word.
They entered the apartment of the ItaHan lady,
and found her seated on a couch. She looked at
Gromof and left the room; alone with Jacob, the
Russian said : —
" You are young, monsieur, and you cannot be al-
together indifferent to that which is happening ; you
ought to know everything about it.'*
"Of what?"
" Of the intended revolution."
" I know absolutely nothing, I assure you."
"Do you take me for a spy, an informer?" asked
Gromof.
" Be cool and wise, my friend. I have scarcely re-
turned to my home. I am a Jew, and, if you will re-
call it, in the depths of my soul an enemy to all revo-
lution."
"And why are you opposed to revolutions? "
"Because they lead to nothing, they are convul-
sive maladies, they retard the normal march of prog-
ress, and their cruel repressions push the people to
despair. I think that there are means more efficacious
than rebellions \ but this discussion will lead us too
far. I am not a revolutionist, I repeat to you ; but if
this country, which is the land of my choice, needs
my blood and my life, I will give them willingly. I
will go with the others."
" You are a man of good faith. It is enough to
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A LEA yACTA EST. 273
see you and to hear you to be convinced of it. I
will then be as frank with you as I can, without be-
tra5ring the secrets of others. I am a revolutionist
myself by principle, for I am a Russian. My neck
bears the mark of an iron collar ; on my arms are
imprints made by chains ; the stigma of slavery is
engraved on my thoughts, on my conscience, and on
my words. I am ready to sacrifice myself to over-
throw the world, to shed torrents of blood, at any
cost to deliver my country from intellectual servitude,
from moral degradation, from a maternal slavery
which makes me blush to call myself a Russian in the
eyes of the world. With us a revolution is a neces-
sity. Otherwise we shall never gain the rights of men ;
but in this uprising we must be united. Wait until
we give the signal ; then march united ; if you engage
in this combat against despotism alone, you will com-
promise both your future and ours. Use, I entreat
you, all your influence to stop this absurd, tempestu-
ous, and premature outbreak. Russia will remain
chained for a century yet, if your foolish precipitation
is not abated. If you rebel now, you will only be
playing into their hands; it is the very thing they
want you to do; as in 181 2, they will appeal to the
patriotism of the masses, and set them upon you like
wild beasts after their prey. An infamous bureaucracy
will wallow in the blood of vanquished Poland ;
oppressed and down-trodden, she will find it difficult
to rise again. There will be persecutions, murders,
and exile of hundreds at a time to Siberia. That is
what awaits you if you do not take my warning."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
274 2"^^ yEfv.
" Have you talked with any of our young men ? "
" Yes ; with some of the military ; but scarcely had I
opened my mouth when they took me for an agent
of the third section, and would not listen to me.
And yet, if these madmen would only remain quiet
two or three years, we Russian revolutionists would
have time to work through the army and to instil in
all hearts a desire for freedom, to turn the emancipa-
tion of the serfs made for the profit of the govern-
ment against this same government, and to spread
from the shores of the Neva the cry of freedom for
Russia as well as for Poland. It is certain to come
some day ; but your headstrong Poles will retard it if
they do not listen to reason. Could you not arrange
for me to meet some of the leaders of the agita-
tion?"
" Truly, I do not know them. A youth who has
more enthusiasm than good sense appears to be the
leader in this movement."
** This youth is only an instrument, I think," said
the Russian. " Where are the serious men, the ear- *
nest ones?"
**I do not believe there are any."
" Young men are active in war, but need old men
in counsel. How came the country to be abandoned
to such authority ? You are mocking me, no doubt.
You do not trust me. You will not speak."
" If I had had suspicions, they might have been
justified, for I hardly know you ; but I give you my
word of honour that I do not belong to any such
Digitized by VjOOQIC
ALEA yACTA EST, 275
conspiracy, nor to any secret society. I am ready,
however, to give my life when the hour of the su-
preme holocaust arrives."
" I believe you ; but your heroism is inconceivable.
To be willing to die with those who do not confide in
you is strange. "
" It is not so strange, and it is not heroism. It
will only be the accomplishment of my duty, and a
proof that there are some Jews who deserve a coun-
try, and that some of us love Poland."
" Will you save her by your devotion? "
" No. And we ourselves will perish ; but we shall
have contracted an alliance of blood with this
country."
" All that is very fine and very poetic, but politics
require something else; they do not rely on senti-
mental pity. By her reiterated heroisms, Poland has
weakened herself and perishes. Calculation, oppor-
tunity, and stratagem may save her. Why does she
not seek to make allies of her own oppressors, when
nothing could be easier ? Why has she given up her
place in the government of Russia to the Germans ?
Why has she not sought to take up all governmental
interests, to endear herself to us, and to communicate
to us her liberalism, her brilliant civilization ? Why
has she not been more politic ? She has furnished us
only some nobles with great names but without
worth, lackeys in court dress ; but men of real im-
portance, not one. They have all kept aloof. In
one century, since the first partition of your country,
Digitized by VjOOQIC
276 THE JEW,
what has been your influence ? The Poles are much
more enlightened than the Russians ; could you not
have been benefactors? In a century so little has
been done. You have dissipated the years in frivol-
ity, and each generation has thrown itself entirely
unprepared into a revolution, always cruelly repressed,
the result of which was exile and oppression. Wives
have left their luxurious homes and accompanied their
husbands to Siberia. You have harangued, written,
and revealed to the Russian government your own
weakness, so that they know how to strike and how
you will take the blow. The Poles have the chival-
rous instinct too fully developed ; you do not dissemble
enough. My word for it, you must meet intrigue
with intrigue. If you do not, you will perish utterly,
and you will have deserved it by your candour."
"A generation will perish, perhaps," said Jacob,
" but not Poland. Under Russian oppression, under
the knout and the gallows, she will learn to be more
serious, more persevering, and more wise. The cow-
ardly will be terrorized, but they will be the excep-
tion."
" Do you know what your spiritual writer, Rzewuski,
said to a Russian general? "
" No ; I have not heard it."
*' 'I have a wonderful way of discovering the
honesty of a Russian and the good sense of a Pole.'
" * What is the way? ' asked the general.
" * It is only to look in the palm of the hand to see
if there are any hairs there.' "
Digitized by VjOOQIC
ALEA JACTA EST. 277
"That is trae," said Gromof. The Poles lack
good sense and we lack honesty. From the time of
Ivan the Terrible we have been taught to lie, to steal,
and to kill for the public good. Such teachings for
three generations have naturally borne their fruit. As
for the Poles, after experiencing such misfortunes by
their precipitation, they should have acquired com-
mon-sense and judgment ; but they have not, I regret
to say."
" What do you wish of me, monsieur? " said Jacob.
" I wish you to try and quell the passions of your
youthful revolutionists. Pray, supplicate, admonish,
and entreat them to wait ; in the name of Heaven, to
wait; and if you think your influence is not great
enough, introduce me to a leader, a chief."
" One word, monsieur," said Jacob. " How can I
be sure that you are worthy of confidence ; you are a
Russian ; what proofs can you give of being worthy of
our confidence ? "
" I assure you I merit your whole confidence,"
cried Gromof, " and I will give proofs in writing and
on my own body. I will show on my back ridges
left there by the knout, and on my arms the mark of
chains. But, no ! no ! they do not wish to believe
me. Unhappy Poland will fail to secure liberty, for
her a forbidden fruit ! The throne of the Czar will
be strengthened by those who thought to overthrow
it. The court will continue to suck the people's
blood. Oh, what a satanic laugh does your idiotic
revolution provoke in me ! I will be among the first
Digitized by VjOOQIC
278 THE JEW.
to prey on you, to avenge myself for my destroyed
hopes. Yes, I will go to see you all hung with pleas-
ure, for you will have ruined our future."
"Be calm,'* said Jacob; "we have not yet com-
menced a revolution, and perhaps it may be averted.
These youth are only a handful; they may yet be
suppressed."
" No ; if young men are at the head, neither them-
selves nor any one else can hold them back. They
will go to any length. Youth and the mob are two
inflammable elements. The sacrifice will be accom-
plished. There will be a heap of corpses, and the
bureaucracy will make merry with their samovars and
their brandy on the battle-field. I see your future :
the country ravaged, villages depopulated, cities pil-
laged, chained galley slaves marching towards Siberia,
bloody executions, an insatiable vengeance, and every-
where ruins and ashes. That will be your fate for
having retarded Russian liberty by your premature
revolution."
" Do not be so excited, I pray you."
" Not be excited ! That is easy to say. Have you
suffered as I have ? Do you know what exile is ? Do
you know anything about penal labour? I was con-
demned to it for life, but I escaped. Such labour is
very hard, but exile is even more intolerable."
After a short silence Gromof continued : —
" Braving all personal danger, I come here to pre-
vent, if possible, a fatal precipitation ; but I fear it is
too late."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
ALEA yACTA EST. 279
" But," said Jacob, " how can they commence a
revolution without arms, without money, without
leaders or soldiers?"
" Your crazy youth would go to battle with sticks
and staves. The government, to encourage them, or
rather to lead them into the snare of their own de-
struction, have permitted the underhand introduction
of a small quantity of arms ; they have been allowed
to amass a little money, and the government has
seemed to have its eyes shut to a movement that it
has really instigated. Afterward they can repress it
when they desire. In the eyes of Europe, the first
aggression will be on your side. Your folly will have
been heroic, but will only obtain a barren sympathy.
Europe will authorize by her silence the horrible
cruelties which Poland will again endure, and des-
potism, by this crafty political stroke, will be rein-
forced for a long time."
Jacob did not reply, and Gromof grew warmer and
warmer, when Lucie Coloni came out of the next
room, and, putting her hand on his brow, said in a
caressing tone : —
'* Serge, calm yourself, or you will be ill."
" It will kill me ! " said Gromof, hanging his head
for a moment, then raising it he cried furiously : —
" Bad luck to you ! Bad luck to you, if our project
is ruined by you foolish Poles ! "
Jacob drew out his watch ; the situation was un-
pleasant and he did not know what to do, what to
say. The Russian looked at him reproachfully as if
Digitized by VjOOQIC
zSo THE JEW.
he had thrown cold water on his hopes ; he seated
himself again, and instead of acting like one possessed^
Gromof suddenly became pleasant and agreeable.
" Pardon me. Monsieur Jacob," said he, " for having
revealed to you the sufferings of my inmost heart. Sav-
age blood flows in my veins, which is repressed only
by civilization. All my countrymen are the same ; we
Russians are savages at heart, but you know now what
I want of you or any other person who has political
influence in the present crisis."
They parted, and Jacob passing safely by the
guards regained his dwelling.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A PERILOUS INTERVIEW. 28 1
CHAPTER XV.
A PERILOUS INTERVIEW.
Returned home, Jacob found a note from Muse,
who implored him, no matter at what hour he re-
turned, to come to her, saying she would wait for him
if necessary until morning.
Until now the grave young man, notwithstanding
the marked devotion of his lovely prosel)rte, had known
how to maintain when in her presence a respectful
distance, avoiding all familiar and compromising rela-
tions. The mother and daughter endeavoured in vain
to put him in a compromising position. More than
once things were arranged so that he was alone with
the young girl, who then employed an insinuating
sweetness and provoking tenderness ; but Jacob did not
cease to be respectful and dignified. There had been
moments when this charming creature, animated by a
simulated passion, and recalling the Greek bacchantes,
had produced in him an involuntary sensation ; but he
conquered it, and his love for Mathilde served as a
shield to defend him against temptation.
It was past midnight when the servant who had
brought the letter told him that he was expected
on the floor below. Jacob hesitated ; but he thought
that some urgent business had caused these ladies to
appeal to him, and he decided to go.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
2S3 THE JEW,
He found Muse in a light piquant yet modest dress,
her beautiful hair partly unconfined, her shoulders a
little uncovered, as if by chance. She held a hand-
kerchief, and was all prepared for tears. When he
entered, she ran to meet him.
" Oh, Monsieur Jacob ! " cried she, taking his hand.
"What has happened? Where have you been?
You were no doubt mixed up in this affair. Oh, I ask
you, for mercy's sake, not to throw yourself in the fray.
Does not friendship permit me to ask this of you ? "
She fixed her eyes tenderly on Jacob, who, perfectly
calm, did not reply. Muse continued : —
"I am all in a tremble about you. Do not mis-
judge my feelings, for I have for you only the senti-
ments of a sister," and she pressed his hand for the
second time.
" I thank you very much, mademoiselle ; but I give
you my word of honour that I know nothing of the
events that have taken place, and I do not intend to
take part in the fray."
" In that case, why this prolonged absence ? "
" By a singular chance a person of my acquaintance
stopped me and the conversation lasted long."
" It is useless, you cannot deceive me ; " and say-
ing this she seized both of his hands and leaned
toward him. He could hear the beating of her heart,
her breath fanned his cheek, and her eyes sought to
magnetize him.
" I will tell you, then, that I passed the rest of the
evening with a Russian," said Jacob smiling.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
A PERILOUS INTERVIEW. 283
This smile, this coldness and complete presence of
mind, displeased Muse. She had hoped to see him
succumb to her fascinations; but she had deceived
herself, and this angered her against him and against
herself. But the more difficult it was to inspire him
with no matter what kind of love, the more she was
determined to succeed.
" Very well. I believe you ; but look at me, mon-
sieur, " said she lowering her voice. " Have I not
changed? Hours of feverish anxiety for you are
graven on my face. "
These words were murmured in his ear, and were
scarcely intelligible.
"Truly, mademoiselle, " replied Jacob, " I feel my-
self unworthy of such anxiety on your part."
" No ; you are not worthy of a sentiment that you
have awakened without even deigning to perceive it.
You are so indifferent, so cold." Then, as if she had
said too much, she lowered her eyes and was silent.
Jacob felt sorry for her, and leaning towards her he
kissed her hand. Muse started as if he had applied
a hot iron, trembled violently, and buried her head in
the sofa- pillow.
Then for the first the thought that Muse loved him
struck Jacob. To have allowed such a sentiment to
develop seemed to him a great crime. He was as
horrified with himself as if his conduct had been
that of a libertine. He started from his seat and
looked at her. This sudden agitation could be inter-
preted ii) different ways. Mus? <Jid not prolong th^
Digitized by VjOOQIC
284 '^^^^ 7^^'
scene, for even if the desired end was not completely
attained, she hoped much for the future in the silence
and troubled mien of the young man.
" Go, monsieur 1 " said she. " I am ill. I do not
know what I have said. My head is confused."
Jacob hesitated a moment, looked at her pale face,
saluted her respectfully, and went out. He had
hardly closed the door behind him when the mother
entered.
" Very well, what has happened ? " asked she.
" He is stupid, very stupid," replied the adorable
Emusia, shrugging her shoulders. " He is a fool, but
I will conquer him yet. "
" I fear, on the contrary, that he is not enough of a
fool for us," replied Madame Wtorkowska.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE JEWS IN COUNCIL. 285
CHAPTER XVI.
THE JEWS IN COUNCIL.
A GREAT number of the most influential Israelites
assembled at Mann's house on the following day.
Mann^ who was already proud of being considered
the chief of the Israelites of Warsaw, was delighted
to preside at a meeting of so much importance.
" Mann," whispered Father Simon to Bartold, " this
poor Mann, resembles this morning a bladder ; look
out, for he may burst."
" And even if he does, with what are we threatened ?
A little wind, and nothing else," replied Bartold
laughing.
This vain personage had really assumed a very
pompous manner. He looked around him from the
height of his grandeur, and from time to time put his
hand on his empty head. Seated on a sofa which he
occupied alone, he opened the meeting majestically.
" Messieurs," he said, " we have met here to dis-
cuss future events, for the situation is complicated.
What, then, should be our role ? That is the question
submitted to you. We have always been united ; I
hope it will now be shown that we have not changed."
" Excuse me," said Simon. " But I vote a distri-
bution of cigars before the important debate,"
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286 THE JEW,
" Have done with your jests," said Mann in a firm
voice, handing him a cigar. "This is no laughing
matter ; the times are grave and serious ? What attitude
shall we take toward the nobles ? What will they do
now, after this affair of last night ? "
"The nobles will do nothing at all. They will dis-
pute, argue, vociferate, and threaten, and the result
of their consultation will be nothing," said the incor-
rigible Simon.
" Yes, that is usually the way ; but this time they are
forced to take action. I will add that the nobles have
almost alwa)rs been hostile to our race, and have often
offended us by denying us justice."
" The nobility will always be the nobility," replied
Simon to the chairman, in spite of his efforts to silence
him. " They look on us as their stewards, their bro-
kers, their innkeepers. They accuse us of exhaling
garlic wherever we go. But they are not at heart our
enemies. Let us speak of the other side of the mat-
ter, for, messieurs, the nobles dream only of sacrificing
themselves for their beloved Poland ; we do not enter
into their calculations in that regard, and is it not our
own fault?"
"The revolution is imminent," said Mann.
" It is possible," observed Bartold. " But I believe
the nobles would like to draw out of this affair, in
which the middle class are so active, and into which
they seek to draw us."
"Then we must let ourselves be drawn in," said
Jacob, " in order to become worthy citizens of the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE JEWS W COUNCIL, 287
country that has received us when we were out-
casts."
" Jacob always returns to this refiain ; we know his
theories, but at present we are occupied with practical
things. What interest have we in the past?" said
Mann.
" Our first interest," replied Jacob, " in a country
where we are so numerous is to be admitted to a foot-
ing of equality. The opportunity now presents itself ;
let us profit by it ; let us unite with the middle class."
*' Nothing is so alluring as a sham compact at the
outset, but afterward there are sure to be mutual re-
criminations and quarrels," said Simon.
'* Take a cigar to close your lips ! " cried the
chairman, who was weary of the sentimentalism of
the one and the everlasting jests of the other.
"I will give you a second cigar, if you will be
silent," added another.
"I repeat my question," said Mann solemnly.
" What r61e ought we to play at present, — we
Jews?"
" Excuse me," said a stranger. " There are no
Jews here. We are all Poles, of the religion of
Moses."
A hearty applause showed approval of this expres-
sion uttered for the first time.
"If this view is adopted it solves the question,"
said Jacob.
" Pardon," replied Mann, " a thousand pardons.
This phrase does not decide whether we will make
Digitized by VjOOQIC
288 THE JEW,
common cause with the nobles, who do not wish a
premature revolution, of with the bourgeoisie, who are
the promoters of this movement."
" That's the chief point," cried Simon, always eager
to give his advice. " I vote for the nobles ; by going
with them we may succeed in obtaining crests. I am
very anxious to stamp on my seal three onions on a
field of gold."
" Cursed babbler ! " cried Mann, striking the table
with his fist. " Will you keep silent or not ? "
" I will shut up," said Simon.
" Let us be serious," replied Bartold. " Mon-
sieur Mann has put the question well."
" I do not think so," said Jacob. " To take sides
with this party or that is all that we should have to
decide. The question is altogether different for me.
Here it is : What is the better part for us to take in
the interest of Poland, our adopted country? "
" Listen to me," cried Henri Segel. " We should
be blind, indeed, not to see that, if we join in a revo-
lution lost in advance, it would mean as certain ruin
to us as to the rest of the country."
A small man with a consumptive look gazed
around him, coughed, and let fall, drop by drop,
these words : —
" We have been long enough held in contempt and
subjection. The time has arrived to come out of it.
Let us think of ourselves only. The peasant does
not like us, because he is stupid, and we do not in-
spire him with fear. The nobles detest us and con-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE JEWS m COUNCIL, 289
tinually humiliate us. They will take part in the
rebellion ; if they find it inevitable, they will consider
it a point of honour. The Russian government hates
them, and will take advantage of the opportunity to
confiscate their estates and drive them into exile. If
we can be neutral during the crisis, what a prospect
opens before us ! In every nation, whatever be the
form of government, be always on the side of the
governing ^lass. We are prepared to seize a high
position. We will become the masters of the coun-
try."
"This idea," said Jacob, "has been often advanced,
and is nothing new. But there is one objection : we
shall save everything but honour. The fact of having
been sheltered from all danger will condemn us. The
nobility will not entirely disappear; many will re-
main. Russia, too, has her own revolutionists, who
may overthrow her in a few years."
" Yes, before many years," replied the little man
dryly ; " if we do not make ourselves masters here,
we are not worth a farthing* Already we dominate
more than half of Europe in money matters, and the
German press is largely at our service. France, also,
has not escaped our influence. Warsaw is called our
capital, a new Jerusalem."
" My dear sir," said Jacob, " your prophecy is not
yet ready to be realized. We shall not attain our end
by egotism. It would be much better to seal our fra-
ternity with Poland, and by a sincere devotion gain
her esteem by proving that the people of Israel are a
Digitized by VjOOQIC
290 THE JEIV,
noble people, that they will not abase themselves by
taking sides with the strong or the oppressors. Never
has the calculation of knavery been preferable to that
of honesty."
" What is that you are saying there ? " interrupted
Simon. " The Jew has always been a trickster, and
will do well to remain such."
** No, no ! " replied Jacob warmly. " If servitude
has taught us deceit and falsehood, is it «ny reason
why we should persevere in it, now that our heavy
chains are broken and the way is open to us? Let
us march with the right, our heritage during thou-
sands of years. The glory of Israel is very dear to
me, but I rely above all on the laws of God and the
justice of our cause. Let us prove that we are wor-
thy of being called the 'chosen people of God.»
There lies our grandeur, we do not need to seek an-
other."
"Fine words," said Mann, "And why shall we
not exult over the defeat of our enemies ? They have
kept us long enough in the mud at the gates of their
palaces ; why should we not be glad to see them in
their turn humbled before us? "
"We reproach the pagans with love of revenge,
and now do we wish to imitate them ? Our faith has
been accused of inculcating that ignoble sentiment ;
while, on the contrary, the Christians preach forgive-
ness to enemies and laud it as a virtue."
" Virtue," said Mann, " is an excellent thing in pri-
vate life, but when the welfare of a nation or a com-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE JEWS IN COUNCIL. 29 1
munity is threatened, it is not expected that we
should adhere strictly to virtue."
" An old and pernicious prejudice. The magicians
recommend the use of a soup made from the fat of
corpses in order to attain happiness in life, and poli-
ticians of the old school preach villany in the interest
of the public good. It is an error : a nation is never
saved by evil."
" You are eloquent, Jacob ; but you generalize too
much. You forget that the right of conversation is
open to all. I refer you to the Talmud, which you
quote so often."
" The hour for the Bourse draws nigh, and we have
decided nothing," cried another.
" That which is difficult," said Bartold, " is to de-
cide, with the meagre information we possess. One
cannot foresee how things will turn out. We must
wait. I wish, like Jacob, to follow the right, but on
condition that it does not lead to a precipice ; I ad-
mit the necessity of sacrifices when something is
gained thereby, but I do not approve of useless sac-
rifices."
" All sacrifice bears its fruit sooner or later," re-
plied Jacob.
"You return to your mysticisms. Our debate is
ended."
" Result : nothing, as usual," concluded Simon.
" One word more," said Mann. " It has been
said that we cannot foresee how events will terminate.
Some one of us should seek admittance to the revolu-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
292 THE JEW,
tionary meetings and observe what is going on ; that
may enlighten us. Prudence dictates this precaution.
Jacob, will you undertake it? "
" No, Monsieur Mann. . I am not a revolutionist,
and I refuse to lend myself to the role of a spy even
for our cause."
" What delicate susceptibility ! We will send some
one in your place."
Mann sputtered wrathfuUy, and continued : —
" Thus we shall be informed of the actions of the
revolutionary party, and if anything important occurs,
my house is always at your service for meetings."
" The Bourse, the Bourse ; it is the hour ! " cried
several voices. And they all hastened away.
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REUNION OF THE NOBLES.
293
CHAPTER XVII.
REUNION OF THE NOBLES.
Jacob, impressed by Gromof s words, sought an in-
terview with Kruder or Ivas. The first was out, and
the second he could not find. Returning from his
search he learned that the people were assembled for
the funerals of the previous night's victims. An irre-
sistible impulse seized him, and he arrived, he hardly
knew how, at the spot where the five victims had
fallen. The place, after the murder, had been com-
pletely deserted. In the souls of the people surged
an exaltation, a virility, a confidence which only de-
manded a signal of authority to become a revolution.
They had lacked arms, but they had torn them from
the Russian troops.
Soldiers and officers seemed ashamed of the attack.
The government itself, after so cold-blooded an act,
hesitated. Orders were received from Petersburg to
display a pitiless firmness, but they dared not execute
them. It almost seemed as if remorse had overtaken
the representatives of the Czar at Warsaw. Was it
really remorse? No, it was rather a ruse.
Clubs gathered in the open air and met everywhere
without being disturbed by the police. For the first
time in Poland they enjoyed under Muscovite rule a
Digitized by VjOOQIC
394 ^^^ y^^'
semblance of liberty. The capital was under the con-
trol of its inhabitants ; in the circle of commerce del-
egates were chosen, whose duty was to present to
Prince Gortchakof, Namiestnik of the kingdom, the
will of the people. This removal of the yoke of the
oppressor lasted for several days, — from March to
April. Sad as its beginning had been, the nation
breathed ; she was free for the moment.
Those who took part in the deeds of these days
guard them in their memory as the most memorable
episode of their lives. I doubt if it has ever been
given a man to see twice, anything as imposing.
Jacob walked about the city, his heart filled with
sweet emotions ; a single thought occupied him, that
of the fusion of the Israelites with the rest of the
nation. The hour was propitious, the moment was
decisive. In spite of little S)niipathy for Mann,
he realized that he could undertake nothing without
his influence. Mann had not been chosen a dele-
gate, for the Jews were represented to their satisfac-
tion in the person of the wealthy and honourable
Matthieu Rosen, a man of rare merit. He urged
his people and their rabbis to join in the patriotic
movement, for by that means they would share in a
union of sentiments and aspirations with the Chris-
tian population and their clergy. A similar union
had occurred in 1848, at Cracow. At that time the
coffins of the massacred Jews were stationed before
the church of Sainte Marie. At present they must
guard against the pride and fanaticism of the Chris-
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REUNION OF THE NOBLES.
295
tians on one side, and the narrow-minded selfishness
of the Jews on the other. Jacob hastened to consult
Mann on this subject, but found him absent. But the
young man's wishes, expressed at the late council of
his brethren, were soon realized by an administrative
decree.
Jacob went to see the delegates, who in the silence
of the night were occupied arranging for the ftmerals.
They had at this time all authority concentrated
in their hands. The Jew foresaw how fleeting this
authority would be. These men were honest, but
without the energy required for such a crisis, and
they would in a short time lose their wits and abdi-
cate the popular sovereignty confided to their keep-
ing.
The funeral details were arranged. Even the most
intolerant of the Christians felt the necessity, in spite
of their prejudices, of uniting for the time being with
the Jews in perfect fraternity. Jacob passed a sleep-
less night on one of the benches of the assembly
room. At daybreak he again hastened to Mann's
house. He found him a little irritated that the pop-
ular vote had preferred Rosen to himself, and he had
retired like Achilles to his tent. The pompous old
fellow was awake and already surrounded with visitors
although he had not finished his toilet. Booted, but
in his shirt, he presented a laughable spectacle on
account of his extreme corpulence. He, no doubt,
noticed this himself, for he interrupted himself in the
middle of a heated harangue, tp whiqh hi§ visitors
Digitized by VjOOQIC
296 THE JEW.
listened respectfully, to throw over his shoulders a
cotton dressing-gown.
" Ah ! " said he, " our friends the nobles have
become, then, meek as lambs. It is they who first ask
to embrace us. One sees that they know the pro-
verb, —
* Dans I'embarras
Va chez Judas.'
It is for us to remember the other part of the
verse : —
* Plus d'embarras
Va t'en, Judas.' "
•' The harmony is well established," said Bartold.
" It is sincere ; we must take advantage of it."
" No ; it is not peace, it is only a truce. The Agricul
tural Society, representative of the nobles, continues to
repulse us. Its secretary has sent Matthieu Rosen a
letter, which leaves no doubt of their malevolence to-
wards us. They wish, they say, that we should merit
our right as citizens, as if we had not deserved that
title since we were established on Polish soil. Feu-
dalists, ultramontanes, fanatics, they desire war; let
them go to the war, then. Let us not mix with them.
Every one to his own interest."
Thus spake the fiery Achilles, Mann, whom Henri
Segel tried to calm.
" You must admit, however," said he, " that Mat-
thieu Rosen, though treated with little consideration
by the secretary of the Agricultural Society, has been
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REUNION OF THE NOBLES,
297
named a delegate. Let us strike while the iron is
hot."
" From this iron there can only come new chains
for us," said Mann. " They are incorrigible, these
nobles, eaten up by pride of long descent. We shall
have conciliations when Dumah has thrown them all
into hell ; not before."
" The Russian government agrees with you there,"
remarked Bartold ; " but the nobiUty is capable of
regeneration, of amending. They commence to un-
derstand their interests better, and if they hold out
their hands to us, we should not refuse them."
" No ! the nobles are blind ! " cried Mann, in a loud
voice. " Give up all thoughts of alliance with them.
What matters it to us what happens to them? "
" If we keep aloof now," said Jacob, " it is the
same as taking sides with the Russians. Let us go,
my friends ; when we are called in the spirit of, sac-
rifice, the cause of the weak and the oppressed ought
to be ours."
" It is utterly useless to reason with you, dear Jacob.
Men of your stamp go to their ruin and perish. I
will not oppose you, though I deplore your fate. As
for the mass of our people, they should look out for
their own interests and for the country."
" Let the majority remain conservative, but not for
that alone ; they should escape death in order to con-
sole and succour those who survive the catastrophe."
" There will be time enough to speak of that," said
Mann, with a disdainful gesture.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
298 THE JEW.
" It is probable," replied Bartold, " that the burial
of the victims of yesterday will be a European mani-
festation of the regeneration of Poland. Ought we
to be indifferent lookers on? to take no part ostensi-
bly in the procession? in a word, to wash our hands
ofitaU?"
"This burial does not concern us," cried Mann.
" None of our people have been killed. Why should
we thrust ourselves into the quarrel ? "
" It is not merely a burial, it is a grand political
manifestation," said Jacob. "Before those coffins
there will be a national appeal for vengeance against
the assassins ; and we " —
" We ? Let it suffice us to behold from afar that
manifestation ! And you, Jacob, who preach with so
much warmth a good understanding with the Chris-
tians, as you are at the same time a fervent and
orthodox Jew, you cannot ask us to march behind
the coffins, side by side with the Christian clergy.
That would be breaking one of our laws, which com-
mands all kohen to keep at a distance from bodies of
the dead. How much worse the impure corpses of
men of another belief, another race."
" I know well that the kohenin ought to abandon
even their dying wives, if they are not of Jewish
origin. Their contact becomes impure. But I also
know that the law, formerly so vigorous, and not
without a wise motive, is indulgent under ex-
ceptional circumstances. A kohen who, in order
to accomplish a good deed, touches a corpse is.
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REUNION OF THE NOBLES.
299
according to the conclusion of all rabbis, exempt
from sin,"
" I do not think that can be the opinion of all the
rabbis. However, we can easily ascertain."
By a strange coincidence, the door opened and ad-
mitted a dignified old man with a long white beard, clad
in the ancient costume of a Polish Jew. All saluted him
respectfully. He was a rabbi, generally esteemed for
his learning and his honourable and upright charac-
ter. His face denoted the serenity of a soul un-
troubled by terrestrial cares.
Mann hastened to repeat what he had said to
Jacob, and, wishing above all to have the approbation
of the rabbi for his doctrine of hatred and vengeance,
he added : —
"Ought we to forgive the nobles? Ought we to
overlook the evils done us by them? The justice of
God is implacable, and the hour approaches when we
shall be avenged upon our secular oppressors."
The old man listened attentively, then replied
slowly and solemnly : —
" The Rabbi Ichochua ben Levi had for a neigh-
bour a Sadducee, who had insulted him in many ways.
Weary of enduring these affronts, he resolved to pray
to God for vengeance. As he was preparing to go to
the temple to accomplish his design, he was over-
come by a profound slumber. On awakening, he
said : * The sweet sleep into which God plunged me
so suddenly is a warning from on high ; a just man
never invokes divine vengeance against his enemies.' "
Digitized by VjOOQIC
300 THE JEW.
Then the venerable man arose, bowed, and went
out. Mann shrugged his shoulders, and was silent.
His guests, most of whom were not very devout, took
their hats, considering the question decided by the
text of the law. In the Talmud, as in books of a
character still more sacred, each interprets as he
wishes. The passage proved Jacob in the right, but
could have been perhaps contradicted by another
passage which would put him in the wrong. Mann,
fortunately, was not sufficiently familiar with the
literature of Judaism to recall a text adapted to his
argument. Jacob, triumphant, rapidly followed the
rabbi, and kissed his hand with gratitude.
He returned to the city, where he found that there
had been a change in favour of the Jews. Their
adversaries were silent, and public opinion approved
their admittance on a fraternal footing, although the
nobles still opposed it. Twenty-four hours had suf-
ficed not to efface, but to mask, the prejudices of both
parties, — prejudices of which they were ashamed, and
which they concealed in an obscure comer of the soul
and dared no longer show in daylight.
The nobles were not in perfect harmony even with
each other. Like the Jews, they held diverse opinions.
Those among them who were the most obstinate were
those who were not well informed as to the actual
situation, who had learned nothing, forgotten nothing,
and who had intrenched themselves in an exclusive
adherence and devotion to the past. These were
called on the streets ultramontanes, on account of
Digitized by VjOOQIC
REUNION OF THE NOBLES.
301
their importation of foreign Catholicism^ — a Catholicism
which was monarchical and legitimist, an enemy of
progress. Essentially different was it from Polish
Catholicism, which was conciliatory toward republican
ideas, but did not take sides with either party, and,
with Copernicus, had left its luminous traces in the
ascendant march of humanity.
This group was Polish in its own way, perhaps by its
attachment to the privileges of the nobility ; but it was
by no means patriotic in its alliance in heart or spirit
with the political reaction in Europe, which weighed
so heavily on Poland.
It was not easy to be conservative in Poland. It
was to condemn one's self to incessant contradictions
of conscience and of conduct. How can one be at the
same time a patriot, and submit to a foreign yoke ?
to be a Catholic, and prostrate one's self before a for-
eign authority which persecuted Catholicism ? Weary
of conflict, the conservative finishes by thinking only
of saving his fortune and his social position, and pays
no attention to the rest.
Jacob, in wandering over the city from house to
house, with the familiarity which always prevails in
times of revolution, entered a circle of ultramontanes.
The master of the house, who was seated in an easy-
chair, which he never quitted on account of an incura-
ble malady, had still more nerve and energy than most
of the visitors assembled in his rooms. Here were
genuine counts, specimens of the ancient aristocracy
of orthodox Catholicism, and many young nobles
Digitized by VjOOQIC
302 THE JEW,
fresh from the Jesuit colleges of Belgium and Bavaria.
Among all these the most remarkable was a man of
gigantic height, of irreproachable character, of rare
eloquence, who, on account of his habit of repeating
the popular proverb, Jak Boga Kocham (as true as
that I love God), had received the not very euphonious
sobriquet of Boakoam.
He was a descendant of a very aristocratic family,
deprived of its former splendour by the prodigality of
its ancestors. He lived ordinarily in the country on
a small estate, all that remained of his fortune.
The conversation was on the events of the day, and
the social equality accorded to the Israelites.
" In a hundred years," said Boakoam, " the Counts
Z., P., and B. will have become coachmen, and their
palaces will have passed into the hands of the R.*s,
the K.'s, and the E.'s."
" It is possible," replied the master of the house,
who belonged to one of the families designated ;
" above all, if we make many more false steps like this
one. It will be our own fault. We shall foolishly
ruin ourselves. We have an aversion to work, while
the Jews are economical, laborious, and persevering."
"Thus, that the Jews may not devour us, my dear
count, you wish we may be transformed into Jews.
Pretty advice ! If we must perish, let us perish at
least as we are. Experience has demonstrated to us
our inaptitude as financiers. To what end have come
our navigation companies, or our industrial or com-
mercial associations ? We have lost money on all our
Digitized by VjOOQIC
REUNION OF THE NOBLES, 303
undertakings. Distasteful as it is to admit, I must
confess that we have arrived at a point of irresistible
decadence. We have organic vices, we have attained
the height of moral weakness. I would, nevertheless,
like to believe that we shall yet regain our old-time
vigour."
"To rise again," said a country gentleman, "we
must have several chiefs, several guides in whom we
can place confidence, as in you. Monsieur le Comte."
"You could not have a better chief than Count
Andr6 Zamoyski, whose name is on every lip. Virtue,
reason, grandeur of soul, patriotism, all these qualities
he possesses."
"Certainly Count Andr^ is the right man, he is
honourable and worthy ; but let us talk no more of
politics just now," said Boakoam.
" God preserve us from this mania of politics, un-
reasonable and inopportune ! We can gain nothing by
it, and it has already been the cause of many evils.
True politics are agriculture, science, economy, and
the amelioration of morals."
" You are right, Monsieur le Comte," said a listener,
" But what is to be done when, in spite of ourselves,
the youth and the city rise in arms and draw us in ? "
" Youth has courage and action. Imitate them. If
you do not wish a revolution, proclaim it loudly ; not
in any half way. I understand perfectly the blind but
heroic ardour of these young men who offer their blood
for their country. It is necessary that we have equal
energy to arrest this patriotic uprising, that we do not
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304 ^^^ 7^^'
give them encouragement by our inertia, our weak-
ness."
" Then we are lost," cried a voice.
" Oh, not when we have just concluded an alliance
with the Jews ! " replied Boakoam. " The Jews will
certainly save us."
This pleasantry caused a ripple of laughter.
" That which is certain," gravely replied the invalid,
" is that they have more sense than we. They have
proved it."
"They will not lend us their good sense as they
have loaned us their money," remarked Boakoam.
" They know that it is a capital which we lack, and on
which we could not pay them interest."
" Where is the time when we did not know the Jews
save as stewards and brokers ! One could then pluck
the extortioner by the beard."
''Those times, alas ! will never return," said one of
the company in a sad voice.
" The world is degenerating," added another.
" Have you remarked, gentlemen," said a solemn
personage with black hair and the Oriental type, " that
everything is being gradually monopolized by the Is-
raelites? They are the masters of the Bourse. Now
the Bourse directs the world and governs the State.
Without it, no loans and no wars. They manage public
opinion through the press, the principal organs of
which belong to them. In Prussia, in the rest of Ger-
many, and in Belgium, journalism is in their hands.
In France every newspaper has one or more Jews con-
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REUNION OF THE NOBLES.
305
nected with it. Many have seats in Parliament and
the German Reichstag. Some are ministers or ambas-
sadors."
" The reason is easily to be seen," replied Boakoam.
"The PoUsh nobles could not exist without Jewish
factors, and took them everywhere with them on their
travels. Europe is like us, morally and physically
declined ; the governments are in decadence, and the
factors do as they like."
" French masonry," added the country gentleman,
''and democracy have the Jews for their firm sup-
porters."
" But that does not agree with the Bourse, whose
principals are far from revolutionary," objected some
one.
" They are," replied the gentleman, " both liberals
and conservatives, but only in a measure. Liberals
when they wish to undermine Catholicism, and conserv-
atives when they have other ends to serve ; but when
it is a question of war, they are always conservatives,
for they do not wish war at any price."
" Never," said Boakoam, " shall we be able to get
rid of the Jews, and they will yet ruin us."
" If one is ruined it is usually his own fault," re-
plied his friend.
"True. But how can we change now? We, who
are accustomed to a life of ease and to liberty of
action, is it possible for us to become tradesmen?
The Jews understand business, have money, skill, and
avarice. And we ? Nothing ! "
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3o6 THE JEW,
" Let us try to acquire these qualities."
" How can we ? The government oppresses us and
seeks to crush us out of existence. We are weakened
by this cruel oppression ; where can we find strength
for the struggle ? "
" In a sentiment of duty."
" Too late to lift the burden now. I know not if
the Finis Poloniae will be accomplished, but the end
of the Polish nobility is certain. I am afraid that we
are doomed."
" Listen to me, messieurs," said the master of the
house solemnly. " I have not long to live. Every
day death draws nearer to me, as you perceive. As
the time to leave the world approaches, a man does
not lie. Well, on the border of the tomb I adjure you
not to lose faith in yourselves, for you who prophesy
your own fall are the ones who hasten it. What have
the nobles done since 1 791 ? Where are their labours,
their efforts, their sacrifices? Behold them un-
balanced, their fortunes, activity, existence, entirely
and foolishly dissipated in libertinage and idleness.
Immutable laws regulate ever)rthing in nature. Once
withered, the leaf falls ; once unfaithful to its mission,
every class of society is condemned to disappear. If,
as you predict, the Jews are destined to supersede us,
it will be owing to our improvidence and their
superior virtue."
" Frightful perspective ! " cried the country gentle-
man piteously. " Do you say that my son may perhaps
become steward for a Kronenberg or a Rosen? "
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REUNION OF THE NOBLES.
307
" Perhaps he would be lucky to get that position.
If I were a Kronenberg or a Rosen I would not think
of employing so incapable a steward as your son."
Boakoam put an end to the conversation by this
sally, which was a little brutal. Jacob, unable to
contain himself longer, believed it a duty to reveal
his identity.
" Messieurs," said he, " pardon me for interrupting
this discussion, but I feel it my duty to confess that I
am a Jew."
All eyes were turned toward him in astonishment.
The least surprised was Boakoam and their host.
The former burst out laughing, and cried : —
" In that case, my dear sir, you have heard many
curious things about your race."
" Very curious, and I shall profit by them. As for
your pleasantries, they have not wounded me. I
could form some idea of how you spoke of us, by the
way that we speak of you at our meetings. For com-
pensation, you have finished by praising our qualities
in such a manner as to make me very grateful. But
your praises are more than we deserve. If we pos-
sess some good qualities, we have also many faults,
and I ought to acknowledge them. This alliance
with us seems repugnant to you ; but, believe me, it
will be for your advantage in the end. It is repug-
nant to you because, as some one here has said, we
smell of garlic and old clothes ; but just now you can-
not have too many friends and allies."
" As true as I love God," cried Boakoam, " your
Digitized by VjOOQIC
3o8 THE yEW.
morals are golden. But I do not believe that we can
trust in your friendship. You will be with us as long
as we are standing, but you will go over to the enemy
when we fall. You will then feel only contempt for
us, and the thirst for vengeance will awaken in your
hearts."
" Never ! I promise it in my name^ and in the
names of those who think as I do. We will remain
united in misfortune as in fortune."
" So as to profit equally by our success or our mis-
fortunes? I am frank, and now that we are on this
subject, permit me to finish. I am ready to acknowl-
edge my fault, to avow all the vices and all the errors
imputed to the nobles, but I cannot see that your rich
men are any better. You accuse us of foolish vanity
and aristocratic pride ; your bankers have as much.
The Count Andr^, who comes from a long line of
illustrious ancestors, is much more polite, more affa-
ble, more simple, than " —
"I do not deny it. Money often renders men
impertinent. I have only one excuse to offer for my
co-religionists: it is, that repulsed by the elegant
society, overwhelmed with sarcasm, we have not had
the opportunity to profit by the same schooling as
yourselves. You must civilize us by your good exam-
ples."
" Hear ! Hear ! " cried Boakoam. " We will teach
you our refined manners in return for your practical
spirit."
" I consent," replied Jacob smiling. " One word
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REUNION OF THE NOBLES. 309
more : you have alluded to some of us as rude and
having repulsive manners. Very well; even among
these men, vain, proud, and gross, there are some
who are benevolent; though their appearance does
not indicate it. I have not finished. In the pres-
ence of the representatives of the past I know not
whether I shall be permitted to express my ideas.
Behold them, if you will be kind enough to listen.
Humanity will not retrograde. She has ceased to be
led by a privileged class ; she feels her strength and
will walk alone. The feudal privileges are dead, very
dead."
"You avow, however," said the dark man with
Oriental features, " that society, freed from privileges
and belonging to itself, will still admit a certain divi-
sion of classes."
" Yes ; but admittance to these classes will be given
by personal merit, and not by birth."
" Then we shall all be in the same boat," cried Boa-
koam laughing, — " peasants, Jews, gypsies, bourgeoisie,
pell-mell with us the fine flower of the aristocracy."
" Modem theories, fatal doctrines bom of revolur
tionary folly," remarked a pupil of the Jesuits, fresh
from Belgium. " I believe neither in progress nor a
new order of things. All that I see in this accursed
age is the hand of God, which chastises us and
plunges us into confusion and chaos."
Saying this the disciple of Loyola took his depart-
ure, furious. Many followed his example, while
Jacob was making his final remarks thus : —
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3IO THE JEW.
"We are new citizens, but rest assured that in
recovering our rights of citizenship after so long
ostracism we will not refuse the accompan3dng
duties. If until the present the Jew has not consid-
ered himself a Pole, the fault has not been with him
nor with Poland herself, but with the barbarity of past
ages, to the shadows of a prolonged epoch of dark-
ness. ' Light, light, still more light ! ' as said the
dying Goethe, and the world will move on in the
sight of God."
"As true as I love God," said Boakoam, "these
are holy words. And I must save myself, for my con-
fessor would refuse absolution because I had dealings
with the Old Testament, in the absence of the New.
Good-evening."
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THE COUNTRY WILLS IT
3U
CHAPTER XVIII.
TOE COUNTRY WILLS \X.
Events precipitated themselves with frightful rapid-
ity. Veiled promises and secret encouragements on
the part of Napoleon III. contributed largely to the
development of an insurrection whose instigators
were too confident in the diplomatic intervention of
France, England, and Austria. A bitter disappoint-
ment was the result, as we know. A brutal reply
from the Russian government sufficed to make
Europe fall back, and rendered harder than ever the
fate of Poland.
At the point whither our story has carried us, all
hope of preventing a fatal catastrophe was not lost.
Several men of influence, whose foresight was better
than that of the foolish masses, made heroic efforts
toward this end. Among these was our Jacob, whose
interview with Gromof had resulted in enlightening
him as to the fatal consequences of a premature
revolution.
The most of the Jews rallied around the Marquis
Wielopolski, a double-faced man, half Russian, half
Polish, with equivocal politics. He was clever in
appearance, but deceitful at heart, and sought to
please both sides. This policy was not pleasing to
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312 THE JEW.
the nobles, whom he held of little account \ it alienated
the ultramontanes, and irritated the revolutionists,
whom he tried to reduce by violent measures. The
marquis, much more authoritative than liberal, wished
to inaugurate that which he called the legal progress ;
but not leaning on either party, he soon had every one
against him. The Jews, however, sustained him for
some time with ardour ; but he soon displeased them,
like the others, by an absolute want of tact in his
conduct toward them.
Men of exalted opinions, whose only wish was to
benefit humanity, and who desired to maintain a just
moderation, were alienated and were left alone.
Jacob, although of an entirely different character
from Wielopolski, was equally unfortunate. In his
political r61e he was no more successful than in his
character of religious reformer. Admitted to all the
meetings, he perceived that he had no influence
whatever.
He displeased the revolutionists by his wise warn-
ings; the conservatives, by his transports of spirit;
and the partisans of legal progress, by his spirit of in-
dependence. He had no communication with the
Russians, with the exception of Gromof.
Among his own people, Mann detested him because
he refused to bow down to him and admire him;
for vanity was this individual's ruling passion.
Mathilde's father was devoted body and soul to the
palace of Bruhl, which was Wielopolski's seat, and re-
ceived his former pupil coldly, for he did not wish to
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THE COUNTRY WILLS IT
313
be ranked under the same banner. For the same
reason Henri Segel, a zealous servant of the marquis,
looked on him with pity. Bartold, less servile,
nevertheless adhered to the new regime to a cer-
tain extent, and was surprised that Jacob did not fol-
low his example. Ivas, whose relations with his friend
were growing cooler, accidentally met him one even-
ing.
" Jacob," said he, " the moment approaches when
the country will need all her children's services. I
was coming to ask you to pay your tribute, and I will
give you the receipt. You have only to fix the amount
yourself."
" I do not dream of refusing to make all necessary
sacrifices," replied Jacob after a moment of thought.
** But in giving I wish to know why I give. Will you
give me your word of honour that it is not to aid the
revolution?"
*' It is truly to buy arms."
" If it is for that, I refuse. I am ready to sacrifice
half, or more tlian half, of my fortune for Poland, but
not one cent to light the torch of incendiarism."
" Man of little faith and frozen soul, how can you
be presumptuous enough to suppose that you can hin-
der patriotic sentiments, or strong enough to overthrow
all obstacles ! Am I not right? We are sure of the
people ; we have the Catholic clergy, thanks to the
marquis, who has also reconciled the masses ; and we
count on the greater part of the Israelites. We shall
force the nobles to come out of their intrenchments
Digitized by VjOOQIC
314 THE JEW.
and join us. In Russia the revolution ferments.
Garibaldi promises us champions; Hungary^ arms^
men, and money. Austria is a beneficent neighbour ;
and, to finish, France and England will undoubtedly
aid us."
" Softly ! Softly ! Repeat your enumerations one
by one."
'' If faith does not exist in you it is useless for me
to talk further. I will listen to nothing. Will you
give me the money ? Yes or no."
" For the revolution, no."
" But the necessity is urgent, my dear Jacob. We
must have money to-day ; you cannot refuse us."
" I refuse ; I have said it."
" I have been your friend and defender, and I am
still ; but above all, I am a revolutionist. Do you
know to what you are exposed by your opinions ? To
death, perhaps ; certainly infamy."
" Infamy, never ! A man can only render himself
infamous ; others cannot imprint this stain upon him.
As for death, I do not fear it. The preservation of
life or of fortune by the sacrifice of profound convic-
tions is unworthy of' a true man, is cowardly. You
can obtain nothing from me by threats ; kill me if you
wish ; I firmly believe in the justice of God and the
immortality of the soul. And so I am tranquil,"
Ivas laughed, and was a little touched.
"You are a great child, my dear Jacob," said he,
with an air of compassion. " I pity you, for you are
not a man of this century. I regard you as a phe-
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THE COUNTRY WILLS IT,
315
nomenon, as a mortal who awakes after a thousand
years of sleep into an epoch entirely different from
his own. Nevertheless, I esteem you."
Jacob held out his hand silently.
" You cannot change me," said he. " It will be
useless for you to try it. I feel that the world which
surrounds me is not with me ; however, as I am here,
and I exist, it must be with some special design of
Providence."
♦" I return to my pecuniary wants."
" Ivas," said Jacob, " tell me, what sum do you re-
quire for yourself? "
" Nothing for myself; all for the country."
" And it is expressly to buy arms? "
" Yes ; my conscience does not permit me to lie."
" And mine commands me to refuse."
" You are the first who has refused me so decid-
edly. Your conduct is a bad example. A rigorous
condemnation awaits you. I leave you in sorrow, for,
Jacob, you will die."
" I am not at all afraid to die, and your threat will
not make me break my word."
" I beg of you, my friend."
" Do not supplicate me ; it is in vain. Tell me that
you will use the money to save men pursued by the
Russian government, to facilitate their flight, and ena-
ble them to live, and I am ready to reduce myself to
poverty for that ; but for your insane revolution, not
a rouble."
^' I do not insist^ but " -^
Digitized by VjOOQIC
3i6 THE JEW,
" Very well. Have you seen Gromof ? "
" Twenty times."
"What have you replied to his argument? "
"That he is a Russian; consequently, ardent in
words, and timid in action. For the Russians the
opportune moment never arrives. Their former con-
spiracies were broken up by a word from Nicholas ; a
word sufficed to calm a popular disturbance. A weak-
kneed race, they are still as cowardly as then. I be-
lieve Gromof to be an agent of the police. He^is
suspected."
" What he says accords with the actual situation."
" I am one of those," said Ivas, " who will not
listen to reasoning. Good sense, circumspection, are
empty words for us. Hurrah for blessed exultation !
Hurrah for ardour pushed almost to folly ! We will
march against the troops with our batons, convinced
of being victorious."
" You are heroes," said Jacob, " and I admire you ;
but have you counted the cost? How long will this
exaltation last? How many are there that feel as you
do?"
"A hundred, or a million, what does it matter?
The masses will follow us."
" The masses will be reduced to a handful of men,
most of them adventurers who will do more harm
than good."
" Stop, you weary me. Adieu, egotist, I w^ash my
hands of what will happen to you."
" But before leaving in this hostile fashion, give me
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THE COUNTRY WILLS IT
317
your hand as formerly, Ivas, and may God's will be
done ! "
Ivas hesitated.
" No," cried he. "I have ceased to be your friend,
and in the future I will be your enemy."
" Are you insane, Ivas ? "
" I belong entirely, body and soul, to the cause of
the revolution ; no more friendship. Good-night."
" Wait a moment."
"You will give us the money? "
" Impossible."
" You persist in not sacrificing your personal feel-
ings to the interest of the country ? "
"Not contrary to my convictions, my principles,
never ! "
Ivas was carried away by his enthusiasm, but was
at heart honest and loving. At the threshold of the
door strong emotion seized him; he returned and
stood near Jacob.
" After all," said he with tears in his eyes, " I
esteem you. Let us embrace."
They threw themselves" into each other's arms.
As he was on the point of leaving he said in a
grave voice : —
" But if to-morrow I receive the order to kill you
for your disobedience to the revolutionary committee,
I will come with cold blood to stab you. The country
above everything."
"Blind heroism, which I respect without sharing.
These are frightful times we are living in. How
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3iS THE JEW.
horrible is the regime which inspires hatred, and
familiarizes honest souls with crime, and transforms
an old friend into an assassin ! What will not be the
responsibility before God of governments whose t)n'an-
•nous acts have engendered such despair ! "
Ivas, without replying, left him with emotion.
Jacob expected to receive on the morrow his sen-
tence of death, but it did not arrive either that day
or later on. Ivas spoke on his friend's behalf, and
he was not even declared a traitor to his country.
All the revolutionists there understood Ivas, and
ceased to have any relations with Jacob, who was
considered from that day as a man from whom the
revolutionary party had nothing to expect.
All this is true. The entire scene is scrupulously authentic.
Author's note.
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A FATHER'S GRIEF.
319
CHAPTER XIX.
A father's grief.
Two days after the dramatic scene that we have
just related Jacob was alone at his house, when he
was surprised by a visit from Jankiel Meves, he who
had furnished Ivas his first shelter. The old man,
who appeared to be very sad, commenced by saying
that he had profited by a sojourn in Warsaw to once
more see Jacob, for whom he had the greatest esteem
and whom he considered the hope of Israel. Then
he spoke of the troubles of the country, and Jacob
told him of the situation, and of his vain efforts to
restrain the impetuous youth of the city from certain
defeat; he added that he was discouraged, for his
advice had been rejected with contempt, indignation,
or rage.
"That is no reason," replied the visitor, "for
abandoning your mission of peace, which is a divine
inspiration. All truths," added he, "are at first
badly received by men, but they soon take root, and
often the very ones that shrugged their shoulders and
refused to listen are the ones who become the most
fliervent converts."
*' Thanks for your consoling words," replied Jacob ;
''you reawaken hope within my heart."
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320 THE JEW,
" Alas ! I seek consolation from you," cried Jan-
kiel; "I am an unfortunate father, a prey to the
greatest sorrow. In my house shame and mourning
are unwelcome guests. A serpent has glided secretly
into my home, and has left his venom."
" I dare not ask you to explain your words," said
Jacob.
" But I wish to tell you all. It is no secret ; evil
is difficult to conceal when the malefactor is proud of
it. Of what use to me is the wealth that I have
amassed by the sweat of my brow ? To-day my most
cherished daughter is no more to me than a stranger,
and Lia is dead to her father ! You know the David
Seebachs, father and son. Accursed house, where the
holy laws are neglected and ridiculed ! Why has my
daughter looked towards that dwelling? Would that
she had died rather than that. Lia, my Lia, has
been seduced by the younger David, who afterward
abandoned her to her shame. And I — I ought
to refuse her a refuge under my roof, so that she may
not contaminate her pure and innocent sister, who
laments the poor unfortunate in the most abandoned
grief. My coffers are full of money, but Lia, perhaps,
will be tortured with hunger ! David was married ;
it was not known, for he lived apart from his wife.
You saw Lia when you were at my house. Poor child,
she believed in him ; she was beautiful, but now she
is a wreck ; so young, what will become of her ? "
With these words the old man wept bitterly, and
in his despair tore his hair.
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A FATHER* S GRIEF,
321
" You are," continued he, "honest and good; do
not repulse me. Aid me. I am her father ; honour
demands that I keep aloof from my fallen child, — I
who press the chaste lips of another daughter. My
heart is broken, and I come to you."
" I am at your service," said Jacob gently.
"Where is the unfortunate?"
" Here in Warsaw. But I am not permitted to see
her; she dares not appear before me. The vile
seducer has left her dishonoured. \Vho knows to
what degree of misery she may fall ! I have brought
money for her ; but, for her as for myself, there must
be silence as to whence it comes. Will you take
charge of it ? "
"Certainly. I am at your service."
" I have the money with me. Take it and procure
for her a shelter and a tranquil existence, where she
at least can mourn in solitude, far from mocking
sneers. Let her want for nothing. This is the ser-
vice I beg you to do for me."
The old man took from his pocket a wallet, and
tearing it open with trembling hands placed on the
table several bank-notes of value, and a piece of pa-
per bearing in Hebrew Lia*s address.
Then embracing Jacob, " I leave for home to-day,"
murmured he, his voice broken by his sobs. " The
air of this city oppresses me. Write to me. No, no !
don't write. I will return. You will tell me all. Save
her. The child is weak and accustomed to tenderness.
Now she must meet misery, labour, suffering."
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323 THE JEW.
** Cease from lacerating your heart," said Jacob.
"Trust me, I will be a faithful friend."
"Do not spare expense," cried the poor father.
Don't think of economy. I will supply you \^ith
more, but I beg of you not to let her know where it
comes from ; rather let her believe that distant rela-
tives have aided her, that God has touched their
hearts in her behdf."
With these words Jankiel raised his eyes to heaven.
A passage of the Psalms came to his mind, and he re-
cited a prayer. Jacob was affected almost to tears.
" I thank you for your confidence," said he. " I
feel honoured by it, as you know me so slightly."
"I have heard much good of you," replied Jan-
kiel, " and I was called to open my heart to you as
to a compassionate physician. Farewell ! "
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MUSE CULTIVATES THE RUSSIANS. 323
CHAPTER XX.
MUSE CULTIVATES THE RUSSIANS.
Since the evening when Jacob had shown himself
so much like Joseph in his interview with Muse, the
relations between him and that young lady had grad-
ually cooled. This resulted from an understanding
between mother and daughter. They saw that his
capture was not probable, yet resolved not to break
entirely with him, but to keep him as a reserve. Henri
Segel, although married, was much more promising.
Muse did not deceive herself as to the nature of his
love for her. It was a love which was not likely to
prove lasting, but often led, when at its full height, to
great follies Madame Wtorkowska, again unsettled,
insisted on the necessity of enlarging their circle of
acquaintances, and said to her daughter : —
" These idiots do not appreciate you at your true
value, and I am inclined to seek acquaintances among
the Russians. They love society, and are better judges
of grace and beauty than these foolish Varsovians.
Let us attract them to us."
"An excellent idea, mamma. With the Russians
an accomplished woman endowed with talents is a
rarity ; with us she is more common, and must have
all kinds of accomplishments. With a man like Jacob
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324 THE JEW,
all efforts are thrown away. He is an honest man, but
utterly insensible. Why, I almost embraced Judaism,
but that did not melt him. This acting fatigues me,
and I have no desire to prolong it ; we can never ob-
tain anything from him j never ! I proved it in our
last interview. Without having any particular affection
for Henri, I avow, mamma, that I count on him. He
is mine. Mathilde gets weaker every day. She fades
before our very eyes ; but suppose she recovers — she
is no obstacle. She has no children. Divorce is
common with the Jews. Here is a husband for me
worth having."
" My dear child, the honeymoon would be sweet ;
but afterward would he make you happy ? He does
not altogether please me."
" As for me," said Muse, " I am not afraid. I
know how to manage him; and as for Jacob, he
wearies me. He is too good, too pathetic."
As the result of this conversation. Colonel Sofronof
and the Major lerasimofskoy were introduced into
the house of Madame Wtorkowska, who essayed to
dazzle them by the elegance of her receptions. Muse
captivated them both. Sofronof fell seriously in love,
but as he was a practical man, much occupied with
politics, he resolved to " kill two birds with one
stone," and find out as much as he could in regard to
existing affairs. He questioned Muse as to the opin-
ions of her friends, ignorant that although she culti-
vated all, she had none. She had adapted herself to
circumstances, she had sung patriotic hymns; but
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MUSE CULTIVATES THE RUSSIANS,
325
with the same ardour she had learned the Russian
songs ^^Boge tsara Khrani " (" May God preserve the
Tsar ") and the " Red Sarafane," and on her piano lived
in harmony, Polish inspirations and the official composi-
tions of Lvof and Glinka to the glory of holy Russia.
The assiduity of the colonel led the mother and
daughter to affect conservative opinions. They
mocked at the revolutionists and the patriots, and all
this accorded well with their aristocratic tone and
manner of living.
Sofronof was a man of consummate cunning. Be-
fore he knew these ladies well he had believed them
ardent Poles, and was very careful not to shock
the opinions which he supposed they held. He
spoke with great respect of the glories of ancient
Poland, with pity of the sorrows of Poland of to-
day. At the beginning of his passion for Muse he
had been tempted, practical Russian as he was, to
implicate the young lady in some political intrigue,
and to have her imprisoned for two or three months
in the citadel. Then he could pursue in the gloomy
shadows of a cell the first chapters of his romance.
The thing would not be difficult, the arrest easy ; he
had so many friends in the council of war. After
some reflection, however, he abandoned this fine proj-
ect, which had already been more than once put in
execution by the gallant officers of the Tsar. Rus-
sians are so eccentric that their love-making even is
somewhat original.
After some visits the colonel decided that he could
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326 THE JEW,
be frank in his language with these ladies, without
danger of wounding their Polish susceptibilities.
Madame Wtorkowska spoke with enthusiasm of the
reigning dynasty, and was pleased to recall memories
of the reigns of Nicholas and of Alexander I., from
whom her mother, as she said, had received a present
of an amethyst necklace. She did not say for what
service it was given ; one could divine it. Muse, as
liberal in words as it is permitted to be under the
Russian regime, approved the emancipation of the
serfs, and exalted the other reforms of Alexander II.
Like her mother, she was careful to condemn the rev-
olutionists. Sofronof understood, after having listened
to these ladies, that the salon where his good fortune
had led him could easily become the centre of an ac-
tive political reaction.
On intimate terms with Muse, a good musician and
an ardent dilettante, he pursued a plan of conduct in
which he did not forget the possibility of eventual
marriage. With the usual bUndness of men newly
arrived in a strange country, he was thoroughly de-
ceived as to Madame Wtorkowska's social position.
Neither they, nor their manners, nor their borrowed
elegance opened his eyes to their true character.
He took for real their false luxury, their pretended
relations with the great world. Yet he was a little
surprised, without knowing why, with the silence and
the smiles that always followed the name of Wtor-
kowska ; but he attributed this to Polish malevolence
at the Russian proclivities of the ladies.
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MUSE CULTIVATES THE JRUSSIANS.
327
Muse knew well how to attract, encourage, and put
her visitors at ease. After each visit the colonel was
expected to return the next day. It was a commis-
sion with which he was charged, some desired infor-
mation, or some promised anecdote. The mother
could not have been more accommodating. She
often made the cares of housekeeping a pretext for
leaving them alone, and when she did remain, she
appeared a little deaf. Sofronof was delighted with
her.
At the end of some weeks he one day found himself
alone with Muse.
" Mademoiselle," said he, " pardon me if I inflict on
you a serious conversation, for I wish to express all
that is in my heart. I wish to tell you of an occupa-
tion which absorbs me. You and madame your
mother can, I believe, have a happy influence on
present events. Why not profit by it? The revolu-
tion is imminent. We are here, yet we are, in spite
of the military forces at our disposal, in an almost un-
known country, and we are embarrassed to know the
right way to maintain public order. You can be of
great use to us."
" How? " cried Muse. " We are only women."
"Women play a primary r61e in Poland. They
are involved in everything."
" But those are women of the lower class, not of
the higher order, the aristocracy."
** Why should not a woman of the upper class who
has opinions suit herself? "
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328 THE JEW,
*' Women who are comme il faut cannot compro-
mise themselves in the streets."
** They can act without leaving their homes."
" But why plunge us into these political questions? "
" In ordinary times it would be wrong for you to
take any part, but in troubled periods like these it is
your duty. The government has the right to ask
your aid for the general good."
" And in what way can we be useful ? "
" By enlightening us as to the situation. I swear
to you that I have the good of the country at heart,
within just limits and a firm union with Russia.
Unfortunately, I and others can find out nothing."
Muse understood what he wished. She blushed at
the suggestion, but the blush faded away rapidly.
Lending herself to the coloneFs views would, she
thought, give her great power. It would raise her to
great heights. Her imagination transported her al-
most to the steps of the throne, to the imperial dais.
She looked at herself in the glass, and thought that
her dreams of being at court had now some chance
of being realized ; and under this impression she re-
plied ; —
"Dear colonel, speak to me with entire freedom,
I will listen."
" Be my counsellor and my guide," said Sofronof.
"You have many friends. You see much society.
Aid me to understand them ; walk with me hand in
hand."
Muse blushed, but said nothing and hung her head.
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MUSE CULTIVATES THE RUSSIANS.
329
" I do not like politics and its embarrassing compli-
cations," said she. " However, if, as you think, I am
capable of making myself useful, I will devote myself
to the work heart and soul. But taking part in poU-
tics is like playing with fire, — one is often burned. In
my situation as demoiselle, above all, this occupation
might ruin my reputation and destroy my future. It
is so easy now-a-days to fall under suspicion."
"Why entertain such fears," replied the colonel
smiling. " You will come to Petersburg. There you
will have the best reception. And every man on
whom you deign to throw a glance from those irre-
sistible black eyes will esteem himself happy, no mat-
ter how high his rank."
He paused ; the hidden meaning of his words had
been rendered intelligible to Muse by some foreign
overtures. She judged that it was not worth while to
be too particular at this crisis, and replied gayly : —
" Now, then, my dear colonel, you have not under-
stood me. I n^erely wished to say that politics often
cause much trouble."
Without further discussion they came to an under-
standing.
Some days after, Madame Wtorkowska's salon was
thrown open with pomp. The assembly was, indeed,
a motley one, and had been gathered from all
classes ; there were all kinds, — white, gray, red, blue.
This was according to Sofronofs advice, and in this
way was formed a neutral ground whereon all might
meet on an equal footing. Jacob was there, and
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330 THE JEW,
found himself more of a spectator than an actor.
Since that famous evening when Muse reproduced
scenes from the Bible, she had been very cold towards
him. She no longer invited him to little games of
cards, she sent him no more notes, and engaged him
for no sentimental promenades. This change suited
Jacob better than the attentions of former days.
Henri Segel, also, was a regular visitor, and in the
midst of the Russians was in his element ; he paid
court to them, accepted their invitations to dine,
and invited them to his house. Mathilde, who under
Jacob's influence had risen to a higher sphere intel-
lectually and morally, was much disturbed by these
incessant amusements. But her power was very lim-
ited, almost nothing. Absolute mistress of her own
apartment, surrounded by her flowers and books,
she lived a stranger in her own house. Her husband
simply announced to her that such guests would dine
with them that day, and often presented them to her
without asking her consent. At table, the turn of the
conversation was often displeasing to her. Her hus-
band perceived it, but did not care.
Jacob, absorbed in the political situation, came
rarely, as he was now sure to meet the Russians,
whose frequent appearance at Mathilde's house was
repugnant to him. He could not expect frankness
from them ; and he could not, in his turn, express
himself freely before them, and this constraint put him
in a disagreeable and trying situation.
Presumption and obstinacy usually accompanies a
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MUSE CULTIVATES THE
V
to"
to ^
civilization as imperfect and superf
Russians. To appear progressive
often, in conversation, express advi
they do not dream of putting in pi
ity they reply by falsehoods.
Mathilde's life became more lonely and more
isolated; she wasted away. Her cough increased,
and she was consumed with fever. She passed entire
days with her music endeavouring to forget her weari-
some life. This distraction weakened her strength,
but she refused to submit to any treatment. At night
she read, creating thus an artificial imaginary world.
Her only consolation, her only joy, was to talk with
Jacob, in whom alone she had confidence; but he
liked to come only when Henri and some of his
new friends were amusing themselves. Then Jacob
hastened to make a rapid examination of the prog-
ress of the malady which seemed to be consuming
the young woman, and she looked attentively at him
to discover if his brow was more gloomy, more care-
worn. Afterward they pressed each other's hands,
and separated.
It happened one evening at tea that no one was
near Mathilde when Jacob arrived but the old Eng-
lish governess, who had become a friend of the house.
He found Madame Segel very much changed.
" How rarely you come," cried Mathilde. " I
know it is not indifference on your part, but if I had
not perfect confidence in you, I should accuse Muse
of depriving me of your society."
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/
/
/
i THE JEW.
" Why do you speak of her? "
^' Because it is evident that she has given entertain-
ments in your honour."
"In my honour and in honour of a dozen
others ; Colonel Sofronof, and also Henri, your lord
and master."
" I am not surprised that her fresh and blooming
beauty pleases Henri more than my pallor and fatigue.
There he finds smiles and songs, here sighs and tears.
I do not wonder that he prefers her."
" Well, I do," said Jacob.
" If he were more devoted, I should reproach my-
self for not loving him. He is just as I wish him to
be, polite, cold, and he leaves me entirely alone. It
is some time now since Muse captivated him, but why
should we care ? What matters it to us? "
" Henri's conduct is indelicate " —
"What matters it, when I do not love him? "
Jacob walked up and down the room, and then
stopped near Mathilde and looked at her fixedly.
" Pardon me," said he ; *' but a wild idea has just
come into my mind."
« What idea ? Tell me quickly."
"Divorce."
" No, no ! " cried she. " I do not wish to bring
to one whom I love with all my soul the miserable
remains of my life, a broken heart and a sick body.
Your idea is wicked and foolish. We have no right
to seek happiness through scandal. Happiness gained
thus will soon cease. Are we not happy as we are ?
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MUSE CULTIVATES THE RUSSIANS.
333
What more can we wish? We can see each other
often, talk, and press each other's hands, and we
ought to be satisfied. To come nearer would, per-
haps, prove a disenchantment for us both. Let us
not renounce a supportable existence for dreams.
Humiliated, faded, and weak, I am no longer the girl
you formerly loved. No, no ! Jacob, in the name
of our love, never mention that word again. Do not
tempt me ; do not make me dream of happiness that
can never be realized ; it is impossible."
"The impossibility is only in your imagination.
The thing is very feasible, dear Mathilde. What is
there to bind you to your husband. He is as indif-
ferent to you as you are to him. You have no
children."
" Do not make me blush, Jacob. A woman should
belong to but one man ; whatever be her lot, happy
or unhappy, she should submit, and be humble and
resigned. I cannot commence life over again, and,
moreover, I am standing on the threshold of the
tomb, while your life has just begun."
" I thought that you loved me, Mathilde, as much
as I love you ! "
" More, for I have courage to sacrifice myself for
your happiness. You cannot imagine how this idea
of belonging to you has troubled my spirit. I assure
you it has tempted me more than once, and I have
always put it from me, as I do now. Have pity on
me, do not oblige me to weep. I am weak, do not
take advantage of my weakness."
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334 ^^^ y^^'
" But this man is unworthy of you."
" Unworthy or not, I married him."
" And if he himself desired the divorce, would you
hinder him ? "
" Have you any reason for saying that? "
" No."
" Very well, then, say no more. Even if he desert
me, I will refuse to be yours."
" This is folly, Mathilde."
" No, it is love. The true love of a woman who
can love chastely. To give you my hand would be to
put you in his place. After him ; oh, no ! that would
be too humiliating."
" You are an angel, but I wish you to be a woman."
" Let us seek rather to elevate ourselves above this
idle humanity."
" Perhaps you can attain this ideal, but I cannot."
" I can understand," said Mathilde with a slight
blush. " I can understand an instant of aberration,
a sudden and unforeseen fall ; but I have no sympathy
with the profanation of conscience by a designing
woman. She who has pressed two men to her bosom,
becomes afterward like an inn open to aU. One only !
only one for life and death ! "
" And that only one, Henri ! "
" No, it is not he 1 It is you, Jacob ; he has only
my body, you have my soul."
After a moment of exaltation she continued : —
" Tell me," said she, " do you really believe in the
immortality of the soul and a Hfe beyond the tomb? "
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MUSE CULTIVATES THE RUSSIANS.
335
"Yes, I believe it. Otherwise man would have
been an aspiration that God would not have realized.
How else can we account for the desire for immortality
that each one bears within his soul ? Why should we
suppose that this presentiment, this divination of a
future existence, should be an illusion? As to the
conditions of the future life we are ignorant. Man
dreams that he will awaken the same as when he closes
his eyes here below. That is perhaps an error ; but
one sure thing is, that the soul will not lose acquired
virtues nor the reward for suffering, courageously en-
dured. Certainly there is another world."
" You throw balm on my spirit ; I desire to believe,
but it is in vain that I search for faith in books. They
puzzle me, and I always end by being confirmed in an
ignorance which can be expressed in these words : I
know nothing."
** Yes ; but one does not draw faith from books, it
proceeds from an inner voice."
"But this uncertainty; everywhere this dreadful
uncertainty. Virtue, science, reason itself are so
many spider webs which are torn by every wind. Yet
it is frightful to die with this idea of annihilation in
one's heart."
" Belief in God warrants us in this hope for the
future. God cannot be unjust. He could not have
implanted in us such strong and persistent hopes to
make a cruel mockery of us. It is inadmissible if one
believe in him. Have confidence in God and keep
his commandments."
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336 THE JEW.
"But where is this law of God? In the books
called holy? They differ; some of them are sup-
posed to be revelation, others simple popular le-
gends. How uncertain everything is, cold, empty,
frightful ! "
With these words she trembled, as if the spectre
of death had appeared before her. Then she
went to the piano, and played one of Chopin's
touching fantasies, while Jacob listened. Some one
put a hand on her shoulder, and Mathilde gave a
little cry of fright. The dream was over. This was
reality. Henri, with a cigar in his mouth, appeared
before her.
" You have at last deigned to remember us," said
he jokingly to Jacob. "You haven't been here
for a long while. Mathilde, will you order the
tea? What time is it? Nine o'clock. At ten I
must be at the chateau. I have scarcely time to dress
and to take tea, which is much better than I get there,
in spite of their golden cups ; but how can you stay
in this room, it is freezing."
" I have not felt cold," said Jacob.
"The music has warmed you, then. Have you
heard Muse play Liszt's last fantasie ? It is stupefy-
ing."
"Muse's execution is marvellous, but she pla3rs
without expression."
" Profane blasphemer I "
Jacob said no more, and Henri looked at his
watch.
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MUSE CULTIVATES THE RUSSIANS,
Z7>1
" That which exasperates me is the white cravat ;
but one meets the best society at the chateau. The
Namiestnik is one of the most courteous men in the
world."
" Good-night," said Jacob, taking his hat.
" Good-night."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
338 THE JEW.
CHAPTER XXI.
LIA.
Jacob sought for two days the place where Lia had
concealed herself. He at last obtained some infor-
mation about her, and found that the poor girl's misery
was horrible'i but that she had endured it uncom-
plainingly and with angelic patience. She lived in
the rue des Jardins^ called thus because of the gar-
dens which formerly abounded there, most of which
had long since disappeared. Th6 house was old and
In bad repair, but it still possessed a small garden
planted with fruit-trees. Under the shadow of the
apple and pear trees grew beets, carrots, potatoes,
and onions, also strawberries and raspberry bushes.
In the centre rose a magnificent linden- tree, the pride
of the proprietor. This tree gave shade, as well as
some profit from its flowers and its bees. In many
places the old and ruined house was propped up to
keep it from falling, and the shingles on the roof,
were covered with a thick moss. In the lower part
lived Jewish families blessed with many children;
Lia lived on the floor above.
At the door Jacob met the landlady. She was
very fat, and muffled up in an apron of foulard, on
which the portrait of Napoleon I. was printed. At
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LIA.
339
his first question regarding the lodger he sought, she
looked at him suspiciously, and replied : —
" The woman for whom you ask lives here, but she
receives no one. If, however, monsieur, your busi-
ness is important " —
" Yes ; I come on business."
** In that case you will find her in her room. She
occasionally comes down to the garden, and sits
under the shade of our linden. She has no right to
the garden, but she is a poor girl, sweet and quiet.
I pity her. Do you know her, monsieur ? "
"Very little, hardly at all ; but I have been sent by
the family," said Jacob, somewhat embarrassed.
" Her family ! At last, then, they have remem-
bered the poor abandoned one. Oh, my good mon-
sieur, she has suffered greatly ! Go I Take the stairs.
You will find a bell near her room ; but if you pre-
fer it, I will announce you. Your name? Perhaps
she will refuse to see you."
•** She will not recognize my name," replied Jacob.
" In that case, do as you think best, monsieur ; to
the. right."
The staircase was old and di^y, with broken and
uneven steps, and in place of a balustrade a rope
was strung from one end to the other. Through the
open doors of the rooms he could see large chinks in
the walls through which came the heat and rain in
summer, the cold and snow in winter.
Jacob knocked two or three times at the door ; re-
ceiving no response, he decided to open it gently.
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340 THE JEW.
The spectacle which met his eyes was heartrending.
A chamber, or rather a miserable garret, destitute of
furniture, was dimly lighted by a Httle window sunk
in the wall. In one comer was a pallet, and by its
side an old broken-down cradle which had done ser-
vice for several generations. With her head leaning
on a table a young woman slept. She had evidently
been overcome suddenly by fatigue, for she still held
in her hand some coarse cloth on which she had been
working. Her feet touched the cradle in which re-
posed a feeble and sickly babe. The nourishment
that the poor little thing drew from the maternal
breast was not sufficient to develop its strength and
vitality.
Lia opened her eyes, swollen with slumber ; she be-
lieved that the intruder had made a mistake in the
room, and remained silent and inert. Her sunken eyes
and sad but calm expression denoted habitual suffering
with resignation to misery.
Jacob stood on the threshold, undecided. Lia
spoke at last and said : '^ Monsieur, what do you wish ?
Why do you come here ? Who are you ? "
" I come from your relations."
" I have no relations ; I am an orphan," replied
she apprehensively.
** I am sent for your good," said Jacob. " Do not
be afraid. I do not bring bad news," said he ten-
derly.
"I do not expect news from anybody," cried she;
" leave me, I implore you I "
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UA. 341
With these words her terror increased, yet her
slightest movement was graceful, full of candour and
charm.
Jacob commenced by speaking of her native place.
She began to weep bitterly.
"They have forgotten me there," murmured she.
*' Oh, do not try to deceive me ! Yet," added she,
looking at him fixedly, " you have the appearance of a
good and honest man. Why should I fear you ? "
" You have no occasion for fear, my poor girl."
Just then the babe awoke and commenced to
stretch out its little arms. The mother forgot her
sorrows and the presence of a stranger ; she leaned
over the cradle, over the only link that bound her to
life, and caressed the frail creature, smiled, and spoke
to him in a language which listeners do not compre-
hend, but which is intelligible to babies before they
can speak. In this dark picture it seemed hke a ray
of sunshine. The infant soon slept again, soothed by
his mother's caresses. During this scene Lia's beau-
tiful hair became unloosed ; it fell over her shoulders
in thick tresses whose length denoted that she was
unmarried, for the Jewish law obliges married women
to wear their hair short. She blushingly repaired the
disorder of her toilet and offered her visitor the only
chair in the room, while she sat down timidly on the
edge of the bed.
In the meanwhile Jacob had examined the room ; a
few iron pots on the little stove showed that Lia did
her own cooking ; stretched on a ladder against the
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342 THE JEW.
wall some linen was dr5ring. In spite of poverty the
room was exquisitely clean, and from the open win-
dow could be seen the trees, while the birds sang in
the garden.
" Your family have sent me," said Jacob. " Your
friends have perhaps been too severe, but they still
love you. You are in want of" —
" No, I am very well where I am. The house is
quiet, no one disturbs me, no one questions me ; at first
it was a little trying, but now I am accustomed to it."
" If not for yourself, it is necessary for your child
that you should leave this unwholesome place. That
is the object of my visit ; you must take a better
lodging and a maid to help you."
Lia looked at Jacob, and her eyes filled with tears.
" But I desire nothing," said she.
" I bring you money," replied Jacob.
" I will not have it. I refuse this charity. I can
work for my baby and myself."
" Your work will kill the poor little one who is dy-
ing for want of nourishment."
" Why should he live with my shame graven on his
brow ? He is my consolation, my only joy, but how
much better would it have been for him never to have
been born ! "
" Do not despair ; have confidence in divine good-
ness. You have been deceived by a wicked man."
" Wicked ! Ah, yes, very wicked ! I, who believed
his words ; I, who loved him so — perhaps he has sent
you?"
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LIA.
343
" No."
" Swear it ! " cried Lia.
" I swear it," replied Jacob.
" Then who is the charitable person ? "
" It is enough for you to know that it is not he.
As for the person from whom I come, it is a near re-
lation, but you must not ask the name ; I am not
permitted to tell you. Confide in me. I will find you
a quiet house where you will be protected."
" Oh, no ! no protector, I wish to be alone."
" As you please ; but at least you must leave here,
and permit me to leave you a small sum for your im-
mediate expenses."
" God is merciful, but man is wicked ! I cannot
believe that I can find a better place than this, where
I am concealed and ignored ; elsewhere they may be
curious."
" Do not fear. I assure you I will find an asylum
as retired as this, but more commodious."
*' God is merciful ! " repeated Lia. She kissed the
infant's brow^ and held out to Jacob a wasted hand^
wasted by fatigue and poverty.
" I have been deceived once," said she ; " but not-
withstanding all that, I have confidence in you. Some
one has thought of me enough to send you ; perhaps
they weep and love me still ; but if it were not for my
baby I would not leave this place. I cannot earn
enough for two. I have had frightful days: only a
cup of water, a crust of dry bread, and not a cent for
milk. I knew not where to find work. I lost my
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344 ^^^ y^^'
head. I wished to die, yet the child demanded life.
What terrible nights have I passed in cold and hun-
ger while the child tore my heart with its cries. Oh,
you cannot imagine greater torture ! "
*'You will be delivered now/' said Jacob gently.
"But one thing that I cannot understand is why
you did not demand of the seducer aid for his
child."
" I ! " cried she. " I accept anything from that
wretch ! Before doing that I would a thousand times
rather die, and see my child die. He wished to give
me an income for life, and I threw his money in his
face. He is a stranger to me, and my child shall
never know him ; he would have reason to blush for
his father. Never shall my lips utter his cursed
name, and I will efface it from my memory."
Jacob soothed her, and gradually reassured she
asked : —
"Have you come from my house? Have you
seen the old man whose name I dare not utter, the
old man with a white beard, and the afflicted mother,
and the sister who suffers for my shame, and the
house where all were so happy before my folly con-
verted it into a house of mourning and covered it
with shame?"
" No, I have not been there recently."
" I believe I recognize you now. I saw you once
when we were all so happy. You came one Sabbath,
did you not? and you had a long and serious interview
with the aged man."
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LIA.
345
" Yes. And I have not been there since that
time."
" But he lives, does he not ? They have completely
forgotten me ? "
" Yes, they are all living. God is pitiful, and his
pity will extend to you."
"His greatest mercy for me and for my child
would be for us to die."
" Life may yet have many pleasant things in store
for you."
" Never ! "
Jacob tried to divert her thoughts, and rose to go,
saying : —
*' To-morrow or the next day I will return myself
or I will send for you. I will seek a more commo-
dious lodging and a servant for you. Here is money
for your urgent expenses and for new clothes."
He placed the money on the table. Lia was really
so poorly clad that it was unpleasant for her to show
herself on the streets.
" Cheer up," added Jacob ; " I will look out for
you."
Lia became frightened again ; she wished to speak,
but the words died on her lips, and her heart beat
violently ; her doubts returned, and Jacob divined it
and said : —
"All that I have told you is absolutely true. I
will never trouble you ; it will be from a distance and
invisible that I shall protect you. I beg of you do
not misjudge me."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
346 THE JEW.
He bowed respectfully, and Lia, seeing that he
had read her thoughts, repented of her unjust sus-
picions, and bowed in return. After he had gone
she returned to the cradle and embraced the sleep-
ing infant.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE OLD MOTHER, 347
CHAPTER XXII.
THE OLD MOTHER.
Carried away in the whirl of active city life, Jacob,
since his residence in Warsaw, had had little commu-
nication with his family, who had remained in his native
province. Twice a year he received, by letter, his
mother's blessing, and news of his sister and elder
brother. Despite the intellectual distance which
education had put between him and his relations,
he did not forget them, and he scrupulously ac-
quitted himself of his duties as son and brother.
Since the recent political disturbances he had been
deprived of a correspondence from which he always
derived much pleasure, and to the regularity of
which he was accustomed, and he felt a certain in-
quietude in consequence.
One day, on returning home, he was informed by
his servant that an old woman, dressed in strange
&shion, who said she was a near relation, waited to
see him. In saying this the servant seemed a little
embarrassed.
" I knew not what to do," added he awkwardly ;
" I told this person that monsieur was absent, but she
was obstinate and would not go. She raised her
voice, and the noise attracted the ?ittentioa of the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
348 THE JEW,
servants on the floor below, and it would have created
a disturbance if I had, as I at first intended, ordered
her out. So there she is, monsieur."
" Who is this woman ? " asked Jacob.
The servant, judging his master by his own way of
seeing things, dared not reply.
" I do not understand who she can be," muttered
he. "She did not pronounce her name distinctly.
I believe she has come to ask for help. I am not
positive."
As soon as he opened the door Jacob saw a
woman who was walking up and down the room,
examining everything with curiosity. She was dressed
in the ancient costume of a Polish Jewess. She wore
a black dress of strange but simple fashion, and
around her throat a necklace of pearls with a large
gold medallion ; a long black mantle completed her
costume, and her face was sprinkled with patches, fol-
lowing the ancient fashion for Jewesses.
Jacob divined, rather than recognized, his mother,
and with a cry of joy threw himself at her feet and
covered her hand with kisses. The old woman was
so agitated that she could hardly speak, and her eyes
filled with tears.
Jacob seated her on the sofa and ran for a glass
of water. In his haste he ran against the servant who
was peeping through the key-hole, and who had no
time to conceal himself.
" Go for water ! " cried Jacob. " You gave this
lady a fine reception ! It is my mother ! "
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THE OLD MOTHER.
349
"That is just what she told me," murmured the
man; "but" —
" Not another word ! Get some water, I tell
you!''
When he returned, he found his mother much
calmer.
" God of Israel, how great has been thy goodness
to my child ! Oh, if his father could have seen the
elegance with which he is surrounded, he could not
have said enough prayers to express his gratitude !
God of Moses ! Alas ! I can only thank thee by my
tears."
"The most precious gift of God for me," said
Jacob, " is the joy of a mother's heart."
"Your prosperity is the celestial recompense for
your father's virtues. This recompense has not been
accorded to all my children. Sarah is ill. Miriam's
children are dead. I could not resist the desire to
embrace thee once more before I die. I said to
myself, 'Perhaps he will be ashamed of his old
mother ; * that kept me. Afterward, I thought that
at the worst I should have seen thee, if even from afar,
and given thee a secret blessing."
"How couldst thou, dearest mother, think me
capable of such vile ingratitude, and such forgetful-
ness of the commandments of God ? "
" O my Jacob, I know the world ! Your eldest
brother respects me, although I am not his mother,
but only his father's wife. He is a good man ; yet if
I go to his house poorly dressed, when he has elegant
Digitized by VjOOQIC
350 THE JEW,
visitors, I can see that he is ashamed of me. But
don't be afraid, my son, I will not show myself
before your fine friends."
"Then you will cruelly offend me," cried Jacob.
" Never shall I be ashamed of my mother, nor my
father, nor my race, nor my religion, nor anything
holy. To conceal one's origin is a fooUsh pride, a
criminal lie."
Just then the servant entered, much disturbed, and
said: —
" One of monsieur's friends is here ; shall I show
him in?"
** Certainly," said Jacob.
It was Mathilde's father. He did not recognize
his relative, and was surprised to see an old Jewess
seated on the sofa. He had suspected Jacob of en-
tertaining a visitor of another kind.
" Mother, you remember Monsieur Samuel, our
cousin, and my guardian?" said Jacob. "I owe
everything to him."
" After God, it is to you that I am most grateful,"
replied Jacob's mother.
Monsieur Samuel was somewhat embarrassed ; he
succeeded, nevertheless, in addressing some words of
courtesy to the good woman, and to relieve himself of
his embarrassment he drew Jacob aside under pretext
of pressing business.
" I came to consult with you," said he ; " but we
can leave it until some other time. Now let me ask
you, what will you do with your mother? "
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THE OLD MOTHER,
351
" The name of ' mother ' is ray only reply."
" A beautiful phrase ; but do not be sentimental, I
beg of you, dear Jacob. Do not compromise your-
self in the eyes of the world. This queerly dressed
old woman, if she is seen with you, will hurt us
socially as well as you. You cannot brave public
opinion."
" I do not care to cultivate the acquaintance of
those who mock my affection for my mother," said
Jacob. " This will prove their worth ; thus I can tell
the gold from the baser metal."
" A truce to poetry ! Let us look on life as it really
is. As soon as the world scents a Jew, it will tolerate
him only when his perfume is sweet ; the odours of
the iarmulka are obnoxious."
" I will make no concessions to the prejudices of
the world," said Jacob.
"Well, then, spare me the honour of receiving a
visit from your mother."
Jacob grew pale and his eyes flashed.
"You have been my benefactor," said he slowly.
" Do not make me forget it."
" Excuse me, there are degrees in Judaism ; for ex-
ample, I give myself out as a descendant of rich
German Jews."
" Why do you prefer the German Jews," asked Ja-
cob with a smile of pity. " Are they any the less
Jews?"
"Perhaps not. But they rank higher, and their
past is different. Will your mother live with you?"
Digitized by VjOOQIC
352 THE JEW,
" I hope so. I shall be very glad to have her near
me."
" I see that it is useless to reason with you. I
cannot convince you ; but if you have thoughts of
Muse, I advise you to be careful."
" I do not dream of Mademoiselle Wtorkowska."
"There have been rumours" —
"These rumours have no foundation."
" The presence of your mother in your apartments
will shock many people."
" So much the worse for them. I do not intend to
offer my mother as a holocaust."
" Has she brought any more of the family? "
"I believe that she is alone. Poor old woman ! to
see me she has undertaken a long and wearisome
journey."
" She had better have sent for you to come to her,
instead of suddenly appearing at Warsaw."
Then Mathilde's father returned to the salon^ sa-
luted the old woman politely, and took his leave.
On the first floor of the house the news of the arri-
val of a Jewess in the ancient national costume was
circulated from mouth to mouth. Jacob's servant
had no secrets from the Wtorkowska's maid, and he
soon told her all about it ; she carried the news to
madame, who, inspired by Paul de Kock, her favour-
ite author, arranged the story in her own fashion and
went to relate it to Muse.
" It is nothing to me," cried the young lady. " Ja-
cob is no longer on my list."
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THE OLD MOTHER, 353
"Alas," replied Madame Wtorkowska, "to be so
rich and to remain such an obstinate Jew ! "
" Mamma, would you have any objection to Sofro-
nof, if he declares himself? " asked Emusia.
** Do as you wish. Provided that you marry, your
choice will be mine. Yet be on your guatd with this
Sofronof. These Russians have no scruples, no deli-
cacy ; to break a woman's heart is for them a pleas-
ure, something to glory in. Under apparent splen-
dour, they are often penniless adventurers who come
to Poland to replenish their purses. I know the Rus-
sians well. Many of them parade about in a brilliant
uniform and live in poverty."
"Mamma, Sofronof has a fine property in the
province of Kostroma."
" I have met these brilliant officers who boast of
possessing hundreds of peasants near laroslaf or
Tambof. They lied, and this one may also. Let us go
to Kostroma. The government pays these colonels so
poorly, and even the generals, that they are obliged
to rob to cut any figure."
" It is not called robbery in Russia. They give it
another name, — indirect revenue, I believe. The
country is so organized that the employes, civil and
military, without exception, procure indirect revenues
to increase their salary."
** Yes, dear Emusia, I regret Jacob. Unfortunately,
he has a mother who is an impossible Jewess."
"If I willed it, nevertheless, I could make him
leave father, mother, and religion. I am sure I
Digitized by VjOOQIC
354 ^^^ y^^'
could overcome him ; but I do not care to make any
more efforts in that direction. Jacob is not congenial
to me. My favourite, you know, is Henri."
*'You always force me to repeat that he is
married."
"The obstacle is Mathilde. She will soon die,
and Henri would marry me immediately."
" The grapes are too green."
" We will see, and as a last resort I have always
Sofronof."
Some days after the arrival of Jacob's mother
Henri Segel said to his father-in-law : —
"This Jacob is intractable. He will never be a
society man. Presumptuous and obstinate, he refuses
to see the world as it is. His head is full of fan-
tasies from the Talmud, of dreams of reform, strange
ideas of fraternal union. He is for Poland, and at
the same time against the revolution. He refuses to
enter into relations with the most important persons.
He keeps to himself and is a real savage ; useless to
the world, yet not deprived of intelligence. But he is
of no use to us."
" He always reminds me of the beggary from
which I took him," said Samuel. " He seems to be
proud of it."
" It is too bad ; with his large acquaintance he
could have been of great service to us. He has good
manners and a sympathetic character. No one would
ever take him for a Jew, if he did not foolishly avow
his origin on every occasion. He is compromising in
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THE OLD MOTHER, 355
society. Men of his calibre are destined to an evil
end, and he makes himself disagreeable to all. He
must be blind, to act so much against his own
interests."
" Have you heard about his mother? "
" Not yet."
" Imagine, then, a Jewess of the lowest rank suddenly
appearing at his house. He has welcomed her, and
made much of her, and walked with her on the public
streets. He would have brought her to me, if I had
not begged him to spare me this ridicule."
" The same danger threatens me, I fear, and he is
capable of choosing the very day when I have the
best society of Warsaw in my salon. This eccentric
has turned Mathilde's head. She will suffer no one
to ridicule him, and looks on him as a saint."
** They have indulged in a Platonic romance since
their childhood ; but I will give you the means of
breaking the charm which enchains my daughter's
spirit. Behold ! he whom she takes for a saint pays
his tribute to frail humanity."
** How ? I have never heard any scandal about
Jacob."
" He has concealed it well ; but I have a good
detective who has told me that this sage, learned in
the books of Solomon, follows the footsteps of that
voluptuous monarch. Only they are not beautiful
Midianites with whom he shares his wealth. He hast
succumbed to a pure-blooded Jewess."
"Tell me about it, I beg of you."
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356 THE JEW.
" Well, you know that I like to look about me a
little everywhere. Sometimes I profit by it, and it
always amuses me. Sometimes in one direction,
sometimes another, I have bloodhounds that I
chat with. Of late, that old man with a red nose,
whom they call Trompette, has spied about for me.
One day I was occupied ; he insisted on seeing me,
and came in with a mysterious air as if he had a state
secret. He told me that Monsieur Jacob, — you will
never guess, — the pious Jacob, had a mistress. She is
a Jewess, whose father is very rich. The romance
has lasted a long time, for the result is a child, on
account of which she has been turned from her
father's house."
" Well, well ! " cried Henri. " Why, it is impos-
sible ! ''
" At first he hid her with the greatest mystery in a
little old house in the rue des Jardins. Now he has
established her, still secretly, in a much more comfort-
able place in Saint George's street. He often goes
there in the evening. I know it to be so, and I am
told that the girl is pretty, graceful, and modest."
" How does he reconcile this proceeding with his
principles?" asked Henri. "Really, I am sur-
prised."
Samuel laughed heartily, and added : —
" Yes ; Jacob has concealed this intrigue well ; but
some day Fll tease him about it. That will be great
fun."
" I can hardly believe it yet," said Henri.
Digitized- by VjOOQIC
THE OLD MOTHER, 357
" There is no doubt whatever, I assure you. Jacob
supports a pretty girl, and she lacks nothing. If you
think it is for love of humanity and chastity, explain
his motive."
"He is, then, a Don Juan disguised as an anchorite.
It is a side of his character that I have never sus-
pected. I never dreamed of it."
*'Do you wish to be convinced with your own
eyes? Here is the address, go and see for yourself;
you are one of the family, and you might take a little
trouble about it. The thing ought to be cleared up.
You will not fail, with a little pains, to surprise the
gay Lothario in flagrante delicto. After that he will
not talk so much about the saints and holy writ. At
heart he is no better than the rest of us."
" Alas, poor Jacob, where is your character now !
Do you know how this original romance com-
menced?"
" It is a secret that you will discover, no doubt. I
can only say one thing, that it is a secret no longer."
" But it is such a short time since he returned, that
the connection must have begun abroad. Who knows
where ? Perhaps at the baths."
Henri Segel, seemingly absorbed in thought, went
in the early evening to see Muse, This was for him
the privileged hour for a charming interview, when no
one ventured to disturb them, not even Sofronof.
She had so well arranged her time that her favourites
never ran the risk of meeting each other. The early
part of the evening was given to Henri, who could
Digitized by VjOOQIC
358 THE JEW,
then at his ease chat and joke with the siren and
kiss her lovely hands. Segel was so preoccupied
that the young lady noticed it.
"What has come over you?" asked she. "Why
are you so quiet? Have you lost at the Bourse, or
has your dancer left you for the epaulets? "
" How cruel you are, dear mademoiselle, to think
that such selfish preoccupations should cloud my
brow.''
" I think that you are a sensible and practical man,
that is all."
" Well, this time you deceive yourself. That which
troubles me is the downfall of a man whom " —
" The fall of a man ? That is curious."
" Very curious."
"Do I know the man? "
"Very well. He is one of your friends."
" Speak, then ! Why distil your story drop by
drop?"
"It is Jacob."
" A fall ! His mother's visit, then ? "
" No ; better than that."
"What, then?"
" An original adventure, a strange story. Jacob,
our saint, our immaculate Jacob, has a mistress by
whom he has a child."
" Pure calumny ! " said Muse.
" At first I thought so too ; but, alas ! it is a fact ;
there is good proof."
"This will destroy his character."
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THE OLD MOTHER,
359
** Simple truth that all men are falHble," said
Henri.
" I am dying to know the details ! " cried Muse.
** Is she young, pretty, blond or brunette, poor or
rich, well educated ? "
" She is only a little Jewess, daughter of a merchant,
but young and very pretty."
"When did this intrigue commence? "
" I am ignorant of the circumstances. It was my
father-in-law, whom nothing escapes, who discovered
it. At first I did not believe it, but he soon convinced
me. The girl lived in the rue des Jardins for a while,
now in Saint George's street."
" And this offspring of which you spoke ? "
" Did you not understand me ? "
Muse smiled and did not repeat her question, she
only added : —
" He played so well the role of chaste Joseph that
no one would have suspected him of this."
" Humbug ! His character now appears to me in
a new light. I must commence to study him again ;
until now I was all astray."
" I," replied Muse, " was convinced that he was
ice toward women. At last I see that he is vulnera-
ble." She was so impatient to repeat this scandal to
her mother that she dismissed Henri.
"At present," said she, after finishing her story,
" this man seems to me more inexplicable than ever.
A common girl succeeds where I have failed."
" He loves ; that explains all," said her mother.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
360 THE JEW.
" He loves ! That is no reason ; it is no excuse. I
am furious^ now that I see that his coldness was only
assumed so as not to many me."
Colonel Sofronof paid dear for Muse's vexation.
She deprived him of little bits of news that she had
been in the habit of giving him, and in order to irri-
tate him displayed some patriotic songs. However,
he did not get angry, but only smiled, and said : —
"You are not feeling well to-night.**
The calumny spread rapidly. Henri arrived home
in good humour. Not finding visitors, he resigned
himself to tea with his wife. After tea the English-
woman read in one comer, Mathilde in another;
finally Segel broke the prolonged silence.
" Have you seen Jacob lately? ** asked he.
" No ; he has not been here for some time."
" Without doubt his mother's society " —
"Yes, he told me of her arrival," said Mathilde.
" Has he ever spoken of any one else ? **
"Of whom, then?"
" Bah ! It is useless to tell you. It is not worth
while to destroy your illusions. You have an affection
for Jacob ; let it rest."
The least curious of women have still a little touch
of curiosity, especially in regard to the man they
love, Mathilde became uneasy.
*' I am sure," said she with agitation, " that Jacob
has done nothing to destroy the good opinion that I
have of him."
" If you are sure, so much the better."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE OLD MOTHER, 361
"Do not torment me thus. As you have com-
menced, tell me all."
"Why should you take this lively interest in Jacob,"
said Henri smiling.
" I love him as a brother ; I have never concealed
it. We were brought up together."
" Well, this Jacob has committed no crime. He
simply possesses a mistress whom he conceals from
public view." Then he repeated cynically all he had
heard, with a malicious irony.
" If you do not beUeve me," added he, " ask
your father. He is the one that discovered the
secret."
During this narration Mathilde had grown red and
pale, and listened with bowed head, trembling ner-
vously. Suddenly she raised her head and said
boldly : —
" It is a lie ! I believe neither you nor my father.
It is an unworthy calumny."
" And why do you say that? "
" Because it is not possible."
With these words, instead of going to the piano as
usual, she went and shut herself up in her room,
where she could give free vent to her tears. Until
then she had been so proud of the man whom she
had made her ideal. Her idol was overthrown from
his pedestal and was reduced to the level of ordinary
men.
Then she said to herself: —
"No, it cannot be possible." An inner voice
Digitized by VjOOQIC
362 THE JEW,
replied : " They are all built on the same model.
The whole world is corrupt."
Life now appeared so empty, so sombre, so odious
to her that she would gladly have died. The next
day when she seated herself at the table, her fece
bore traces of the great suffering she had endured.
She was very pale, and her features were drawn and
pinched. She replied indifferently to her husband's
questions, and pleading a violent headache, hastened
again to her chamber. She wished to be alone with
her sorrow.
Digitized by VjOOQiC
RUSSIAN POLITICS, 363
CHAPTER XXIII.
RUSSIAN pouncs.
Russian tyranny increased the number of the revo-
lutionists, for often a cause which has at the outset
few adherents rapidly develops when blood has been
shed.
Jacob, who had been opposed to those who incited
the country to a revolution, modified his sentiments
in its favour when the government displayed bayonets
and erected scaffolds.
At the head of the saviours of Poland by terrorism
was the Grand Duke Constantine, brother of Alexan-
der II., and the Marquis Wielopolski. These two
would probably have adopted another system if Peters-
burg had not forced them to employ the traditional
remedies of cruelty and tyranny, banishment, the pen-
alty of death, Siberia, and penal servitude.
Jacob did not protest against resistance to arbitrary
enlistment accomplished in the most outrageous
manner. From the Polish nation, wounded in its
dignity, rose on all sides the cry of revolt. " Rather
death than be slaves, kissing under the knout the
hand of our executioners ! "
Jacob was willing to do anything he could, but his
former prudence had alienated him from the revolu-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
364 ^^^ 7^^'
tionary party. So he employed himself in publishing
a Jewish journal in the Polish language, in which he
continued to maintain his ideas of Jewish reform ; but
for such a propaganda the moment was not opportune.
New troubles also awaited him. His articles, written
in elegant style with warm conviction, attained recogni-
tion from his co-religionists only on their literary
merit. To some it was superstition, to others fanati-
cism, and so he remained alone in politics as well as
religion. He was too much Jew or too little Jew, too
patriotic or not patriotic enough. The society of his
mother was a great consolation to him at this time.
He had installed her in his apartments, and often
walked out with her, and his filial devotion had put
him under the ban of the wealthy Jewish society. He
was avoided by all. He perceived it, and renounced
all relations with these narrow-minded men. He
even ceased to go to Segel's on account of Henri's
coldness. Mathilde gave another explanation to this
voluntary ostracism; in it she saw confirmation of
the rumours she had heard. The poor girl suffered
greatly.
One evening Jacob was tempted to visit the Wtor-
kowska's, hoping to meet Mathilde. In the midst of
an assembly composed almost exclusively of Russians
appeared a new-comer, the Count Bavorof, counsel-
lor of state. He was scarcely thirty years old, and
was said to be a great favourite of the Grand Duke
Constantine, and above all he was a bachelor. Natu-
rally, Muse wished to count him among the number
Digitized by VjOOQIC
RUSSIA!^ POLITICS. 365
of her adorers, and had already tried on him the
irresistible combination of beauty joined to wit.
Jacob approached Mathilde, who was seated at one
side, alone. Her deadly pallor shocked him.
" Are you suffering? " asked he, in a low voice.
The young woman threw on him a glance of pro-
found compassion, and replied : —
" No. I feel no worse to-day than usual."
" I have not seen you for a long time," said Jacob.
" That is true."
" It is my fault ; but I cannot impose myself on
men who repulse me."
" Rather, is it not you who repulse them? "
The remark sounded like a reproach.
"How? I? They avoid me because my dear
old mother, who is endowed with many excellent
qualities, is not an elegant and fashionable woman.
Is that any reason why I should not love her and
cherish her? The ridiculous snobbishness of my so-
called friends will Hot regulate my conduct."
" Is it your mother alone that keeps you from us ?
Perhaps there is another person who absorbs your
time?"
Jacob opened his eyes, astonished. There was
something in his look so open and reassuring, that
she felt shaken in her conviction. She blushed, and
was too embarrassed to prolong the conversation, so
she rose and went to sit near Muse. She took her
leave soon, bowing to Jacob from a distance.
The latter was downcast. He sought in vain the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
366 , THE JEW.
key to this enigma. He understood that some one
had calumniated him to his beloved, but who or what
it was he could not imagine.
In the salon the conversation was animated.
Colonel Sofronof, Count Bavorof, Muse, and the
Counsellor Pikulinski made most of the noise. The
recent recruiting, from which had burst out the first
revolutionary spark, was the subject of the discussion.
Sofronof did not approve of the measure, and com-
menced to question the genius of the Marquis Wielo-
polski. The Count Bavorof, with his ideas fresh from
Moscow, told of the atrocious repressions, since per-
fected and adopted with so much cruelty, which the
journalist, Katkof, was disposed to raise to the height
of a system.
The Counsellor Pikulinski was one of those coun-
sellors from whom no one expects the least counsel.
He was an absolute nonentity. The sole thought
which predominated in his poorly developed brain
was the perpetual fear of compromising himself.
Like a doll that always squeaks alike when it is struck
in the stomach, at each instant he repeated the word
" yes," with an approving nod of the head.
It mattered little to Pikulinski if the " yes " ac-
corded to one person contradicted the "yes" offered
to another. The essential thing with him was not to
oppose superior authority or its representatives.
Thanks to this invariable line of conduct, he had
made a splendid career in the bureaucratic hie-
rarchy. Decorated with the cordon of Saint Stan-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JiUSSIAN POLITICS.
367
islas, the cross of Saint Waldimir, he enjoyed the
entire confidence of the government as a reward of
twenty-five years of faithful service.
Despite his intrinsic nullity he displayed an enor-
mous activity. Official presentations, manifestations
of devotion, addresses of submission to the govern-
ment, subscriptions of command, deputations, wher-
ever he could make himself conspicuous, Pikulinski
appeared.
A kind-hearted man, he knew how to render him-
self agreeable to the old dignitaries and to the ven-
erable dowagers, and it was natural that he should
expect still further promotion in his civil career. The
title of senator and the order of the White Eagle
could not escape him; it was only a question of
time. At each new favour from the government
Pikulinski was profoundly touched. He quickly put
on his full-dress uniform covered with decorations,
and hastened to present himself at the chateau, in
order to return his humble thanks. He always re-
turned from these interviews puffed up with pride at
the flattering words of his chiefs.
" If every one," thought he, " would imitate my ex-
ample, how many evils might be averted. Unfortu-
nately, most of my Polish compatriots are wanting in
tact and have little policy."
In Madame Wtorkowska^s salon he took no active
part in the conversation, but contented himself by
throwing in here and there a ** yes " which was only
varied by the inflexion.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
368 THE JEW.
" Russia," said Bavorof, " can say that she will act
independently with more justice than Italy. She will
carefully refrain from an alliance with perfidious Aus-
tria and feudal Prussia. Young and vigorous, she is
strong enough to make head against the whole Occi-
dent united."
" Yes," immediately assented Pikulinski.
" It would be wiser to avoid the conflict," said So-
fronof.
" Yes," said the counsellor of state feebly.
" For my part," said Jacob, " I think it would be a
sensible thing for her not to engage in so formidable
a combat."
" And why, then? " demanded Bavorof.
At this question Pikulinski accidentally let fall a
" yes," which he tried to smother by coughing.
" Poland," replied Jacob, " claims only the liberties
guaranteed by legitimate treaties of the past. It
would be much better to give them to her, than to
reply by terrorism and false claims."
The counsellor of state could scarcely suppress a
" yes," which was on the point of coming out ; then he
feared that he had compromised himself by merely
assisting at this conversation; he was taken with
pains in the stomach, and took refuge in another part
of the room.
"You are putting yourselfinabadlight, monsieur,"
replied the count. " We do not recognize any rights
whatever on the part of Poland nor the Poles, not
even the inherent rights of men. Our first duty is to
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j^assiAj\r POLITICS, 369
repress this revolutionary tendency. Our strength
sustains us ; it is by this that we live. Our sole means
of existence are our swords."
" To say that Russia's only power is brute force,"
replied Jacob, " is to avow her moral weakness."
" Until the present the empire has had no other foun-
dation than force, described by you as brutal. That
may change, perhaps ; but in the meanwhile I repeat
to you our gospel is the sword."
The count's cynicism shocked the colonel, who was
more diplomatic.
" Monsieur le Comte," said he, " I cannot entirely
agree with you. There are certain hereditary rights
which should be superior to force."
Pikulinski almost let fall a " yes," but judged it pru-
dent to await a better occasion.
"Passive obedience," continued Jacob, addressing
the count, "seems to be your principal axiom."
" Yes, for it is a national axiom, powerful as a relig-
ious dogma. Add to that, money, official position,
decorations, titles of nobility, and all advantages
which the government can give " —
"Then you speculate on human weaknesses, cupid-
ity, vanity, ambition?"
"You have said it. All the science of statesmen
worthy of the name is summed up in working men
through their vices. To speculate on virtue is only
a dream, a childish illusion. Why? Because in hu-
manity vice always predominates over virtue."
Muse, who practised after her own fashion the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
370 THE JEW.
maxims of Bavorof, believed, nevertheless, that it
would look better for one of her sex to appear
shocked, and cried : —
" Oh, Monsieur le Comte, your ideas are really
shocking."
" Pardon me, mademoiselle, they were not said for
your charming ears."
Pikulinski let fall a loud " yes," being sure that he
could not compromise himself this time.
"You know, however," replied Muse, "that just
now most of our women are mixed up in politics.
We are accustomed to hear everything, and our influ-
ence is widespread."
" It is a misfortune. It does not well become
your white hands to stir up the filth of life, nor to
penetrate, elegant and perfumed, into the laboratory
where are prepared the drugs for the maladies of
humanity."
Pikulinski thought this remark merited a repeated
" yes, yes."
"You think, then," asked Jacob, "that morals
should have no part in the government of nations ? "
" Morals ! There is no sense in the word. Politics
exclude morals."
" If that is your profession of faith, all discussion is
impossible between us. I believe in morality, always
and everywhere, and every time that an injury is done
to it I call on the justice of God."
" God ! Justice ! You believe in that? Are you
a Catholic?"
Digitized by VjOOQIC
RUSSIAN POLITICS.
371
*' No ; I am a Jew."
Bavorof had never met a Jew of this stamp. He
looked at him in astonishment, and asked : —
"German Jew?"
"No; Polish."
" Does Poland contain many Jews who think and
reason like you?"
" I do not understand the question."
" I mean no offence. I wish to know if there are
in Poland many Israelites who are polished and
educated."
" There are many better educated and more pol-
ished than I."
" Then so much the better. You can exercise a
happy influence over the people in curing them of
their patriotism without a future, and of their super-
annuated Catholicism. Eliminate the feudal spirit and
that of the nobility, and with these new conditions
will come the fusion between Russia and Poland."
"The Jews who are preserved, thanks to their
religious faith, cannot employ themselves by tearing
out the hearts of others."
" I have, then, the pleasure of talking with a revolu-
tionist."
"Not at all. Though there are circumstances
when men who were most opposed to revolution
have taken part in them, in spite of themselves."
"Pardon me," said Sofronof, interrupting him.
"The truth is that Poland will never be satisfied.
Give her autonomy. She would soon demand the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
372 THE JEW.
annexation of the provinces included in Russia,
Prussia, and Austria. Give them all that, and they
would claim the ports on the Baltic and on the Black
sea."
" One thing certain," replied Jacob, " is that
Russia never yet has tried to satisfy Poland in any
way."
" And Alexander I. ? " asked Bavorof.
" Alexander I. promised much and performed little,
and that little he has taken back again by the hand
of his brother, the Tsarevitch Constantine."
At these words Pikulinski was thoroughly fright-
ened ; he was afraid to breathe even the same air
with this audacious man. He thought of pretending
to have the nose-bleed for a pretext to leave sud-
denly. However, he remained.
" And Russia did wrong to promise and make those
concessions," replied Bavorof. "Since 1815 it has
been necessary to uproot and overthrow Polonism
and Catholicism. They must be replaced by the
Russian spirit and the orthodox Greek church."
" But, Monsieur le Comte, did you not just avow
that Russia's power is in her material force ? In that
case, what is the Russian spirit, and how shall she
inspire others with a spirit which is actually incom-
patible with strength?"
"The contradiction is not so apparent. Our
spirit is to destroy all those who do not think with
us. We were wrong to deceive Poland with falla-
cious promises; between us it is a battle to the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
RUSSIAN POLITICS, 373
death. Her annihilation is our end, and always has
been."
" And what will come out of the ruins ? "
**An enormous Russia, a Russia semi-civilized, —
paleoslav, democratic, and social, with a Czar at the
head. A republic, if you will, democ-soc^ as they said
in 1848, with a hereditary president clothed with dic-
tatorial authority, and to the eyes of the ignorant
masses of a sacred and divine character. I am a
noble ; but to tell the truth, in Russia nobility does not
exist. It never has existed, and never will. All Rus-
sians are equally under the knout."
This expression of the republic, democ-soc^ even in
the mouth of Bavorof, sounded so badly to the ears
of Pikulinski, that this time he suppressed the " yes,"
and, under pretext of the nose-bleed that he had in
reserve, hid his face in his handkerchief.
Jacob, after taking the tour of the salon two or
three times, took his leave.
" Who is this man? " asked the count. " Is he really
a Jew?"
" Yes," replied Muse ; " and there are many Israel-
ites here who are as well educated."
" And have they the same ideas ? "
" Not by any means," replied Sofronof, who had
some acquaintance with Jewish society. " This man
is an exception. He is an idealist, a dreamer, a re-
former. An original, he walks alone."
" A dangerous man," muttered Bavorof. " He is
obstinate, no doubt, like all men with convictions, im-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
374 ^^^ 7^^'
bued with a fervent mysticism and plunged in the
clouds of spirituality. He sets up a standard of
morals and right that takes with weak-minded people
everywhere; above all, the women. If he were a
Catholic I would have arrested him and banished him
without further ceremony ; but he is only a Jew, so we
can have a little patience."
" At Warsaw," said Muse, " the Israelites play a
grand r61e. It is difficult to distinguish them from
the rest of society at first sight."
" But from what I have heard they are not friends
with the feudalists."
" It is not so ; they are reconciled."
" That is a pity. Then we must sow discord among
them. Divide and conquer is one of our maxims."
" You are a strange politician, dear count," said
Sofronof ; " you think aloud."
" Like a celebrated minister. To-day it is the best
way to deceive the world. Men are always disposed
to attribute to you ideas contrary to those which you
loudly proclaim."
Pikulinski confirmed this sentence with two loud
" yeses," and went away wondering if he could in any
way have compromised himself.
One day, soon after, Bavorof said to Sofronof : —
"I recommend you, colonel, to warn the police
not to lose sight of this Jew, Jacob. He displeases
me. He sees through our plots. There are only two
alternatives: to oblige him to serve us, or to send
him to Penza."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
RUSSIAN POLITICS. 375
"What good would that do? His is an open
nature, from which we have nothing to fear. He is
wrapped up in the Talmud and his innocent mania of
playing the prophet."
''As for me, I despise his prophecy. Is he rich? "
"Very rich."
" So much the worse. Ambitious ? "
" Not the least in the world."
'^ Still worse. Is he a coward ? "
" I do not think so."
" In that case to Penza ! To Penza ! "
" But he is not a revolutionist."
" That is still worse. Sooner or later a revolution-
ist will change his skin. A revolutionist can be dealt
with ; but a liberal, a legalist, a moralist, who believes
in men's rights, this is a dangerous animal. Give me
individuals like Pikulinski, malleable to our will, and I
will place them in the centre of our social organism.
We can control them, and, with the rabble at our feet,
all will go smoothly. Hurrah ! "
Digitized by VjOOQIC
376 THE JEW.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE SEDUCER.
Jacob was absorbed in the study of the works of
Maimonides, when his servant brought him a visiting-
card.
This servant had replaced him who had so rudely
received his master's mother, and who, on account of
her, had left Jacob's service, with tears in his eyes,
but too proud to serve a country-woman in Jewish
costume.
The visiting-card bore a name engraved indistinct-
ly. Without deciphering the name, Jacob received
his visitor. He frowned when he recognized David
Seebach the younger, the seducer of Lia. He was
dressed richly, but in bad taste, with a cane in his
hand, an eye-glass at his eye, and a smile on his lips.
Jacob received him coldly, and, with a wave of the
hand, indicated a chair. David seated himself, put
the end of his cane in his mouth, adjusted his eye-glass,
and spoke in a low voice : —
" My presence at your house is perhaps a surprise,
for you gained, I fear, a bad impression of us on our
last interview. We were very sorry, my father and I,
not to have been able to conceal that unfortunate
exile for you, but " —
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE SEDUCER, yi>j
" I do not blame you for that. Every one has a
right to act as he pleases."
" Since then I have thought it over, and I admit
that I was in the wrong. Your reasoning was just at
all points. We must follow the current ; we must side
with Poland. My father and I, however, do not think
alike, on account of his former relations. He remains
in the Russian camp, while I take the side of the
Poles. Thus we are safe in any case."
" As you please," said Jacob, in an indifferent tone.
"You are on their side, are you not? " asked David.
" I am for Poland, but I am not a revolutionist."
" As for myself, I have made the acquaintance of
the principal agitators. I attend all the meetings, and
I will aid the revolutionists, for there is money to be
made by so doing. As a measure of precaution I
have put all my property in a safe place across the
frontier, so that in case I am taken the Russians can
get nothing, and my father can save me from the hands
of the police through the protection of the high func-
tionaries with whom he is in favour. The patriots
will need capital to procure arms at the Austrian fron-
tier. I will accommodate them, and the profits will
be worth running a little risk."
" Excuse me," interrupted Jacob. " I do not wish
to meddle in such business."
'' How is that ? Have you not said that you sym-
pathize with Poland, and did you not reproach us
for being opposed to it ? "
" Listen to me, my good David. If I am Polish,
Digitized by VjOOQIC
378 THE JEW,
it is not from love of lucre, not for fear, but from
conviction."
"I am equally patriotic at heart," said David. " I
sing the recent hymns which ask God to manifest his
power against the secular enemy. I believed that you
would aid me to conduct my business to a successful
termination ; for to speak frankly, as I am a new con-
vert the patriots have not yet entire confidence in me.
Your recommendation would have weight, and you can
share the profits."
At these words Jacob rang, and the servant ap-
peared immediately.
"You see this gentleman," said the master.
"Look at him well so as to recognize him."
"Monsieur, I will remember him."
" Very well. If he ever presents himself here again
you will not admit him."
David arose, frightened and furious.
"Be careful how you treat me, my dear Jacob,"
said he, as he left. " I have your life in my hands,
and I will be revenged."
After this scene Jacobus brow was bathed in a cold
sweat, and he fell on a couch nearly prostrated. He
was aroused by the arrival of Lia^s servant, who said
that her mistress begged him to come immediately to
St. George^s street. He called a carriage and has-
tened to the dwelling of David^s victim.
Near the house he perceived a veiled woman, who
seemed agitated on seeing him, and leaned against the
wall as if faint. Then she rapidly disappeared around
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE SEDUCER, 379
the comer. Something about this woman reminded
him of Mathilde.
What if it was she !
This thought could be imaginary only, and Jacob
did not entertain it for a moment. Lia, all in tears,
ran to meet him for whom she had waited impa-
tiently.
" Oh ! " cried she, " that wretch has been here ; he
has dared to look at my child. Save me from him !
He has threatened to return. I will not see him. I
do not know him."
"Be quiet. You have nothing to fear. Did he
ell you why he came ? Perhaps he is divorced from
his wife, and he wishes to marry you."
" Then I will refuse ; but he cannot give his wife
the Ghet, for he knows not where she is. And as for
me, I have taken an Issar. I have sworn never to
marry the man who caused the tears of my father and
my mother."
Wrath and contempt gave to Lia's face a wonder-
ful beauty. She continued : —
" May my child be among the Asufim, the Piggum,
and the Schetukim, rather than bear the name of his
miserable father ! "
Jacob made vain efforts to calm her, and said : —
" I do not approve of your Issar. The child needs
a father, and the marriage would justify you in your
parents' eyes."
All at once they heard David's voice in the ante-
gbamber, Wa snatched her child from it§ cwdle
Digitized by VjOOQIC
380 THE JEW.
and fled to another room, and Jacob was left alone.
The door opened violently and the seducer rushed
into the room, his face purple with rage. He was
stupefied to find in Lia*s visitor one whom he had
not expected to meet again so soon. After a
moment's silence his anger returned, and with
drawn sword he rushed on his enemy, but his cool-
ness and the heavy cane which Jacob presented kept
him at a distance. He lowered his arm and mut-
tered some unintelligible words.
" Why do you come here ? '* asked Jacob, with a
firm voice.
"And you?"
" I am here at the request of Lia's father, with all
the rights of a guardian."
" And I come to see my child."
" Neither the mother nor the child belong to you.
Have you given them your name ? Have you shielded
them from shame, misery, and malediction ? "
" I intend to divorce my wife and marry Lia. I
must speak with her. Why do you hinder me? "
" I consent that she sees you in my presence, if
she wish. Otherwise, no."
" She ought to be willing, for I hold her fate in
my hands."
He had hardly ceased speaking when Lia opened
the door and entered, her features convulsed with
aversion and contempt. She was superb in her
scorn, and David trembled as he regarded her. She
hesitated an instant, then cried : —
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE SEDUCER. 381
" Between you and me there is no longer anything
in common. I declare, before this witness, that I
will never be your wife, and I forbid you to call your-
self my child's father. May my tears, my sobs, my
sufferings, my sleepless nights, and the disgrace that
I have brought to my family bring down upon your
head divine wrath ! May you be tortured by demons,
and may Dumah invent for you new torments ! "
In the midst of these imprecations her eyes became
suddenly fixed in her head. Her arm appeared
paralyzed and her legs sank under her ; a froth came
from her mouth, and with a convulsive laugh and
piercing cries she fell senseless.
David fled from the house, his face covered with
his hands. The maid ran for a physician, who, on
his arrival, said that it was not an ordinary fainting,
but a dangerous attack of apoplexy. All remedies
used in such cases were employed, but the stricken
one did not regain consciousness until toward even-
ing, when she heard her child cry. She extended
her arms to him, but her strength failed anew.
Jacob watched by her bedside until daybreak.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
382 THE JEW.
CHAPTER XXV.
BETWEEN TWO FIRES.
Overcome with lassitude, Jacob, after returning
home, threw himself on a couch, and was just going
to sleep when the voice of Ivas awakened him. The
young man, despite the efforts of the servant to bar
the passage at such an early hour, had forced his way
into Jacob's room. He wore a heavy hunting-coat,
and carried on his shoulders a haversack. Heavy
boots completed his costume, and his bearing ex-
pressed ardour and energy.
"We are to-day," commenced he without pre-
amble, " in opposite camps. But I have not forgotten
that I owe my return to Poland to you, and probably
my life also, for your helping hand drew me from the
deepest misery. I come to thank you for the last
time, and to bid you an eternal adieu."
"Why that?"
" To-day I go directly to the forest. Our insurrec-
tion may last some days, and it may last for years.
We shall march, armed with batons, against the
regular troops. The forests will serve us for camp,
fortress, and arsenal. We shall march, scoffed at by
some and cursed by others, and accompanied by the
tears of the women who love us and whom we love.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
BETWEEN TWO FIRES, '^^^i^
We will advance with despair in our souls, ever
forward ! "
"Why are you so hopeless?"
''Because the young men who had confidence in
us have been torn from us, and compelled to put on
the uniform of the Muscovite soldier. We must save
them or die ! You see I have no illusions. I know
that I risk my life, and that perhaps in the future we
may be accused of presumption, of folly, of puerile
enthusiasm. No matter. National honour com-
mands it, and I obey. For the last time, Jacob, I
who am so near death adjure you not to be a traitor
to your country, not to work against us."
" Who has dared to accuse me of treason? " cried
Jacob.
" This accusation has been circulated. Perhaps they
wish to make a striking example. I will no longer be
there to defend you, and you will fall a victim to your
own obstinacy."
" Why I, rather than another? Have I ever made
you any promises that I have not kept?"
"You have enemies, and very dangerous ones. They
accuse you of secret relations with the Russians, here
on the first floor, at the rooms of your betrothed."
" My betrothed ! I have none. She of whom you
speak will never be anything to me."
"But you go there, and you also go to Henri
SegePs, who is in very bad odour with us. You openly
speak against us ; and, lastly, you refused to pay that
money to us."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
384 ^^^ y^^'
Jacob smiled sadly.
" Singular destiny," said he. " I have enemies, and
many of them ; I, who am no man's enemy. But you,
Ivas, you do not mistrust me ? "
"No, I honour your character ; I esteem you ; I
have defended you, and I will continue to do so ; but
the great majority of my companions think other-
wise."
" Let us talk no more of me. I am prepared for
the worst. But tell me, is it not possible to delay the
insurrection?"
" It is impossible, and in my turn I also ask you to
speak of something else."
He was just going, when Kruder, all out of breath,
rushed into the apartment.
"Ah ! you are here," said he to Ivas; " at last I
have found you. I see by your accoutrements that
you are off. It is too soon, too soon, do you hear?
In Heaven's name do not act prematurely and
unreflectingly."
" I suppose you would advise us to wait until the
Russians seize us?"
" You will all perish if you commence now."
" So be it. At least our blood will be prolific."
" Listen to the voice of reason."
" We pi;efer to listen to that of despair. Have you
witnessed any of the scenes provoked by the noc-
turnal recruiting, when our men have been seized and
forced into the Russian army? Have you heard the
prayers of the young men torn from their mothers*
Digitized by VjOOQIC
BETWEEN TWO FIRES. 385
arms? Do you know what it is to be a Russian
soldier?"
" I know all ; but this is a supreme moment, and
your action will involve the salvation or the loss of
the country. Your passion is only a heroic egotism.
Once more I call you to reason."
" Say no more, Kruder. Folly is our reason, our
watchword. And now, farewell, Jacob."
Ivas and Kruder left at the same time, and Mann,
who had just arrived, met them in the antechamber,
.He was struck with the appearance of the two men.
The younger man's dress shocked him. It had been
for some days the sign of suspected revolutionists.
He sank down in an arm-chair, while Jacob, sur-
prised in the midst of his toilet, dressed himself.
" I come," said he, " as your guardian's friend and
your well-wisher, although I know you dislike me, to
give you a salutary warning. It is useless for you to
try to deceive me, or to resort to falsehoods."
" I never lie, either to you or to any one else.
Learn this, monsieur ; it is true that I do not see the
necessity of boasting to every one, but I never say
anything I do not mean."
" If that is so, perhaps we can come to an under-
standing. I will show you my hand. You are, with-
out flattery, a prominent figure in Jewish society;
your education and your fortune assure you an envia-
ble position. That is why you are not absolute
master of your acts, of which the responsibility be-
longs to the class you represent. In compromising
Digitized by VjOOQIC
386 THE JEW,
yourself, you compromise us. The government watches
men of your stamp, and we are judged by your con-
duct. Every one is talking of your discussion at Ma-
dame Wtorkowska's with Count Bavorof and Colonel
Sofronof. Pikulinski has spread it in the city. And
what did those two men want that just left here?
Evidently you are being induced to take part with the
revolutionists. What folly ! If it only endangered
yourself it would not matter so much, but it can in-
jure us who belong to the same society as you."
" Is that all ? ^' asked Jacob impatiently.
" It is enough, I think. What was the tenor of
your conversation with Bavorof, the remembrance of
which has made Pikulinski's very hair stand on end ? "
" Do you know the counsellor of state? "
" Certainly ! He is an ass in every sense of the
word."
" And you take notice of his judgment? "
"Because Bavorof, also, thinks you a dangerous
man. And this young man in revolutionary costume,
with his great boots, what was he doing here ? A con-
spirator, probably."
" You are mistaken. He came to warn me to be
on my guard, for I am threatened with death from his
party. You see how that agrees with your accusa-
tion."
" That proves that you lack tact. You are, then,
suspected by both parties."
"It is often the fate of a conscientious man to
bring upon himself the condemnation of all, because
Digitized by VjOOQIC
BETWEEN TWO FIRES, 387
he tells the bitter truth to both without shrinking
under their threats or trying to gain favours. I am
one of those men who act according to their con-
victions, and I will not abandon them to please you."
Then he added in Hebrew : —
" ' Happy he who dies as he was bom, pure and
without stain.' " (Baba Mezzia, 107. a.)
Mann threw upon him a look of ironical compas-
sion that might be literally translated: A fool you
have lived, a fool you will die.
" Really," said he, " there is nothing to be done
with a man who quotes the Talmud when one is
talking business. You wish, then, to be incarcerated
in the citadel? And we shall suffer more or less
from having been intimate with you. That is the
worst of it."
"What can I do?"
'* You say that you are not a revolutionist? "
" Truly, I am not."
" Very well, take sides with those who oppose the
revolution."
'*But they are not content with fighting them
legally. They add to it arbitrary terrorism," said
Jacob.
" Of two evils choose the lesser."
" Yes ; the evil is in the two extremes, or rather the
two extremes meet and form one evil. Despotism
above, despotism below. I will serve neither the one
nor the other. I am between the two."
"I congratulate you on the excellent means you
Digitized by VjOOQIC
388 THE JEW,
have taken to ruin yourself. I am really sorry for
you. The best thing for you in your frame of mind
is to depart for foreign lands.''
" You would advise me, then, to desert, when my
duty orders me, in this difficult crisis which has over-
taken Poland, to remain and do what I c£^n for truth
and justice. If I embarrass you," added he laughing,
" you can blow out my brains for the public good."
" Unfortunately that is not practicable. We should
be implicated in an assassination. Well, if you will
not go away, at least shut yourself up, and do not go
on the streets."
" Then they will say that I am a conspirator."
** Meet only Russians."
" I will irritate them by my remarks."
" Be silent, then."
" I must speak."
'' May Dumah and a million devils catch you at
last ! " cried Mann, rushing toward the door. " Fare-
well ! "
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE HECONCILIATION. 389
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE RECONCILIATION.
It was a sad day for Jacob, for many reasons. His
friend had left him for almost certain death. A rude
person had come to weary him with reproaches and
complaints, and then followed a message from Saint
Cjeorge*s street to hasten, as the invalid was in the last
extremity. When he arrived, she was no longer of
this world. Lia had breathed her last.
There remained the orphan : what should he do
with him? To whom confide him? Jacob thought
of his mother at first ; the good woman blushed ; she
attributed the parentage to Jacob, and in order to
satisfy her scruples, he was obliged to relate to her the
whole sad history.
" I believe you,'* said she ; " but will others believe
it? Seeing the child under your protection, what
calumnies, think you, will be circulated ? "
" Is it necessary, then, that I leave this poor inno-
cent to hirelings ? And ought I to refuse to do my
duty for fear of unjust criticism ? "
" The child will never again find a mother, but I
will place him in good hands. I will not hinder you
from doing a good action, but I will save you from
Digitized by VjOOQIC
390 THE JEW.
the blame which might attach to your good name.
You may leave it to me," said his mother.
In his present mood, Jacob felt instinctively drawn
toward Mathilde, and late in the evening he directed
his steps to her house. The servants, accustomed to
see him enter unannounced, opened the doors of the
salon. He waited there for some time, looking at
the closed piano, the stiffly-arranged fiimiture, and
the withered flowers in the vases. Everything bore
that air of desolation found in houses that have
been closed for some time.
Clad in a long, trained peignoir ^ Mathilde appeared,
gliding like a shadow, with slow and measured steps.
She was very much changed since he last saw her.
Her eyes shone with a feverish fire, and her cheeks
were sunken. Her former soft lassitude had become
a torpor. She offered him a cold, trembling hand.
Jacob understood by this reception that here as else-
where he had been slandered ; but, happily, he was
one of those characters whose clear conscience fortify
them against all contumely.
"Have I come at an inopportune moment?" said
he. " In that case, I will go."
"No. You could not arrive more opportunely. I
was anxious to see you, monsieur."
"You are ill."
" Not the least in the world."
" Well, Mathilde, so many unfortunate things have
happened to me lately, that I come to you to comfort
my tortured heart."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE RECONCILIATION,
39^
"Your heart? It is in the Old Testament."
" I do not understand you. Do you doubt me? "
" Ah 1 I do not know. This doubt is killing me. I
wish to know all the worst ; then I can die. You used
to be frank and sincere. Why do you deceive me
now, like the others? "
" This is too much, Mathilde," said Jacob.
" Oh ! I have proofs of your deceit," cried she.
" Would it not be better to confide in me as a sister,
and say, ' I love another, I am tired of contact with
a corpse. I wish a living creature * ? I would have
answered you thus : ' Go, be happy ! ' In losing you I
would at least have kept my respect for you."
" Why do you not respect me now? "
" What ! you dare to deny it ? "
" Mathilde," replied Jacob gravely, " I assure you
I have done nothing to merit these reproaches. I
have never been guilty of forgetting you."
"How explain, then, your mysterious adventure;
that woman, who is she? "
" You shall hear the truth," said Jacob. " Listen ! "
He then related the dark drama of which Lia was the
heroine, not omitting the scene of the previous even-
ing and the morning's death. The poor girPs fate
made Mathilde weep, but at the same time she felt
proud and happy. Her beloved was worthy of her
deepest respect. When he had finished she could
hardly refrain from throwing herself at Jacob's feet
and asking pardon for her unjust suspicions.
" Forgive me," she cried, " for my foolish credu-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
392 THE JEW,
lity. But the calumny was so well devised that it had
all the appearance of truth. It was repeated to me
as undoubtedly true."
" One thing astonishes me : it is that you did not
come to me about it immediately. You were wrong
not to demand an explanation."
" A long and frightful torture has punished me for
my hesitation. The da)rs that have passed since then
have been the bitterest of my existence. Your sup-
posed infidelity poisoned all remembrances of the
past, and I tried to tear your image from my heart."
** I could not have foreseen that a good action
would have had such direful consequences," said Jacob
sadly.
" How happy would I be could I adopt the
orphan ! Unfortunately, in this house I am a slave, a
prisoner. I am respected, it is true, and the master
surrounds me with luxury to gratify his vanity ; he
strews flowers on my path to dazzle the world ; but in
the midst of this perfumed atmosphere I am a captive,
and very often envy the working women who live by
labour, or in their poverty beg upon the streets. For
a long time I have been abandoned. Henri Segel
divides his days between the Russians and Muse.
When I feel very ill the physician comes here.
Sometimes a beggar appears, and, you will not believe
it, under this exterior wealth I am often without
money, without a sou to give for charity."
She sighed, and continued : —
" To-day I live again ; my soul is at peace once
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE RECONCILIATION,
393
more. I have been given back the only man in the
world who makes me love humanity and believe in
virtue."
Their conversation was continued for a long time.
Tea was served at the usual hour, and the English-
woman arrived, but she had a bad cold and her pres-
ence was a constraint. Absorbed in each other, they
forgot the world. Mathilde went to the piano, which
had been closed for several days, and the celebration
of their reconciliation ended with the polonaise of
Chopin (A-dur).
When Jacob found himself some distance down the
street he went back to look at the house he had just
left as if he had a presentiment of not returning.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
394 ^-^^ 7^^^
CHAPTER XXVII.
JACOB IN FUGHT.
Warsaw presented a strange sight. From all its
doors the population hurried toward the forests. The
combat had been precipitated, and they rushed eagerly
to death.
The Russians paid no attention to this exodus.
They did not wish to oppose it.
At the Chateau de Brtihl they repeated the saying :
" When the abscess is ripe it must surely burst ! "
The cold-blooded authorities did not say that this
abscess was the result of a purulent malady, engendered
by unbridled oppression. They cared neither for the
suffering which it produced in ripening, nor for the
blood which was lost in bursting.
In the interior of the capital everything seemed to
be in a normal condition. Only the initiated recog-
nized in the streets the gladiators vowed to death,
for the fever in their souls was concealed by a deceit-
ful calm. From time to time, rumours were secretly
circulated that companies had been formed under the
very nose of the Russian troops, that Muscovite de-
tachments had been beaten, that the insurgents had
taken such a village, that here and there the ^atioQal
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JACOB IN FLIGHT. 395
flag had been ostentatiously displayed and the revo-
lutionary government proclaimed.
Gromof alone persisted in declaring the revolution-
ary movement premature, and sought to check the
torrent. Vain efforts ; the dikes were ^broken, and
the rallying word was *' Liberty or death ! "
Thoughtful men, however, foresaw the imminent
explosion of Muscovite vengeance. A barbarous and
savage repression began, like that of 1 794, in the time
of Kosciusko. Then some concealed themselves in the
thickets, while others fell into the hands of the police.
Houses were searched, and in some cases destroyed,
during the hunt for insurgents. Roofs were broken
in and floors pulled up, and often, in default of find-
ing the guilty, the innocent were made to suffer in
their stead. The citadel was crowded with prisoners.
Every day files of the unfortunates, including nobles
of high degree, left for Siberia, and chains commenced
to be lacking, so many were imprisoned.
And during these horrors the groves put forth joy-
ously their green leaves, the turf was carpeted with
flowers, and the lark sang in the clear azure heaven ;
but the doom of the destroyer was over all.
Russia prepared her saturnalias to celebrate a defi-
nite victory. By hundreds of thousands the soldiers
tracked the insurgents, who were scattered in bands
without camps, without money, without arms or
powder. Yet victory was delayed for a whole
year.
One might attribute the rage of the Russian
Digitized by VjOOQiC
396 THE JEW,
government to the humiliation of the army, if the
slowness of the manoeuvres had not, as we have
already said, been premeditated. The Russians
wished to crush Poland, but they wished it to ap-
pear as if the revolution had been entirely a surprise.
Since 1863 her vengeance had increased in ferocity,
redoubled under a thousand pretexts. Her cruelty
had now become systematic. And the civilized
world assisted at this frightful execution by looking
on with cold indifference at such sufferings.
Jacob saw in his imagination the dark future of
Poland, — a future become a perpetual present. He
was almost desperate at his impotency to stay the
impending disaster. To despair, succeeded apathy.
What good was life, thought he, without high aim.
And, alas, all the ways towards this end were closed
to him ! He tried vainly to become absorbed in
reading, but his brain seemed congealed. A heavy
slumber like a lethargy overtook him. When he
opened his eyes the lamp was out, and the morning
light filled the room. He opened the windows. The
sky was sad and sombre, like his soul. In the silence
of the new-born day he heard steps on his staircase ;
some one knocked at his door. He opened the
door, and a man quickly entered. A long cloak
covered him completely, and his hat was drawn over
his eyes. It was Kruder.
"You know all, do you not? Then you are all
ready?" cried he.
"All — what?"
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JACOB IX FLIGHT, 397
" There's not a minute to lose. It is four o'clock.
You have an hour and a half, or two hours at the
most, before you."
" What is it, then? " asked Jacob.
"There is no use beating about the bush with a
man like you. In two hours they are coming to
arrest you."
"Why?"
" One never knows why in these times. I bring
you a passport. I procured it yesterday, before the
authorities at the chateau had warned the police
against passports. Come, do not tarry 1 "
"Where shall I go?"
"Where you will."
'* Would it not be possible for me to wait, and
prove myself innocent? "
" You jest ! They would answer you by sending
you to the extreme borders of the Russian empire.
They are doing it every day."
" Be it so ! They would send me back."
"And you would submit to Russian brutality when
you can avoid it ? "
" To leave my country at such a supreme moment
would be to compromise my Israelite acquaintances,
which Mann has recently reproached me for. I would
be accused also of cowardly motives, of excessive
prudence, of calculating egotism, and my flight would
justify the accusation."
"The moments are precious. Keep yourself for
better times. Captivity would ruin you, and unfit
Digitized by VjOOQIC
398 THE JEW,
you for the future. The insurrection is strengthening.
No one can foresee the result. European diplomacy
may interfere. It is true that the uprising is prema-
ture, but it is possible that this time they may obtain
some concessions. You can be useful to us. Keep
your intelligence, your relations, and your fortune for
Poland."
"Intelligence falsified by m)rsticism. Every one
says ' relations,* but with whom ? My ideas are always
in contradiction with those around me ; there remains
to me only a fortune. Alone, whom can I serve? "
" Come on ! This is no time for pessimism. You
must decide."
" My resolution is taken. I will go and make my
farewells to my mother, and leave her in charge of
the house. I will go far away, and there reflect as to
what is the best course to pursue. I can give myself
up to the gendarmes at any time, but not just yet. I
will accompany you. Do you know of a safe place
for a few hours?"
" Yes. Come with me."
Jacob lost no time in changing his clothes and ran
to embrace his mother. He filled his pocket-book
with bank-notes, and a quarter of an hour later was
in the streets with Kruder. By many devious ways
they arrived at the poorer quarter of the town. The
fugitive had for a moment entertained the idea of
seeking the hospitality of Segel, of Bartold, or of his
guardian, but after reflection he feared to compro-
mise them.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JACOB IN FLIGHT. 399
"We are going to the 'Kafamaum/ " said Kruder
smiling.
" The Kafamaum ? What is that ? "
"A sobriquet of my own invention to designate the
place where the revolutionists meet."
" You belong to them, then? "
" I belong to everybody and to nobody," answered
he. " I enter, I listen. I give my advice and I en-
gage in arguments, and I wait. With me you will be
welcomed at the Kafamaum."
" Is it a safe asylum? "
"Excellent, no one suspects, and therefore it has
nothing to fear from the police. It is in the house
of the commissatre of the ward."
" Let us go there, then."
Kruder turned into an alley. It was growing light,
but the city was still quiet and deserted, and the only
people abroad were the milkmen and the huck-
sters. They stopped before a house. At the en-
trance were some gendarmes, police, and individuals
in citizens' dress. By a staircase which opened on
the court they ascended to the second story. The
house was new, and the apartment at the door of
which they stopped had a fine external appearance. A
servant who was half asleep let them in, and without
question indicated a second door. This led them to
a spacious salon. Two men were writing at a large
table by the light of a lamp. The couches and easy-
chairs were occupied by young men, whose fatigued
air bore witness that they had passed a sleepless night.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
400 THE JEW,
Kruder whispered some words into the ears of the
two men at the table. These persons, whose faces
were somewhat familiar to Jacob, offered him their
hands.
" Here," said they, " no one can come to seek you.
As we have no secrets from honest men, we will con-
tinue our work before you. We conspire even in the
open air, in the public streets, and as yet we have not
fallen under suspicion. Be seated, take part in our
deliberations, give us your advice, — we ask it. To-
day it is necessary to combine all our forces to arm,
to rouse enthusiasm and practise strategy. Do not be
disturbed, monsieur; do as you would in your own
house."
Kruder, whose custom was to take no sides, went
from one to another, read the order of the day over
the secretary's shoulder, listened to short dialogues
between different persons, and then hastened to some
other meeting.
Jacob, left there by his friend, assisted at a strange,
and to him novel, spectacle. Every instant the door
opened ; it was a continual going and coming of
individuals of all ages and of all ranks of society.
Among them were women, children, Jews, and eccle-
siastics. Some brought good or bad news, messages
and money, while others came to receive orders or to
bring letters, and in this crowd appeared some in uni-
forms which bore the insignia of high rank in the
army. They showed by their faces and bearing
traces of a long and fatiguing military career. The
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JACOB IN FLIGHT. 40I
breasts of many were covered with decorations gained
in the Caucasus or in the Taschkend. In contrast
with these officers were workmen, artisans, idlers, and
vagabonds. The movement was incessant, and the
crowd was continually changing.
A youth who had been wounded came to relate
the particulars of the cortlbat, where he had received a
bullet in his leg. He asked for a surgeon to extract
it, and seemed impatient to return to the seat of war.
His face was lighted up with heroism, and the fever
of his patriotism exceeded the fever of his wound.
A workman came in haste to announce that the
police had made a raid on a clandestine printing-
house where he was employed, and from which he
had escaped through the roof. Immediate decision
was taken to establish another printing-office in
another hiding-place.
The revolution displayed an immense activity which,
notwithstanding, was defective. Necessary funds
were not forthcoming, in spite of the threats and
prayers employed to procure them. Every moment
there arrived from the insurgents scattered in the
forests complaints of lack of arms, powder, ambu-
lances, medicines, and surgeons. There were rumours
that this or that emissary had fallen into the hands of
the Russians, or that a knavish contractor, who had
been paid in advance, had delivered a cargo of guns
which proved to be utterly useless, the refuse of the
Austrian arsenals. These difficulties did not daunt
the committee, for it was composed of men of un-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
402 THE JEW.
heard-of audacity and bravery, who had already
accomplished miracles with their scanty resources.
Russian surveillance was relaxed, and this fact, which
should have made the revolutionists suspicious, en-
couraged their efforts. Their confidence increased
daily. From all the Polish ^provinces, and even from
the districts incorporated with the Russian empire in
1772, came assurances of warmest sympathy, but each
accompanied by an urgent prayer to delay the up-
rising. It was too late. The duchy of Posen, annexed
to Prussia, and Galicia, with the city of Cracow, which
was subservient to Austria, viewed the situation with
the deepest interest, but did not revolt for fear of
drawing down on Poland two more adversaries.
These remnants of the old republic sent volunteers
and money, and at the same time procured some arms
from Austria, not always openly, though the government
at Vienna closed its eyes and let them pass.
Gromof had the right of entrance to the Kafarnaum.
Here he continued to oppose the insurrection, and
excited general ridicule.
" Instead of blaming our enthusiasm," replied they,
" do something for us. Work the army. Work the
dissenters from the orthodox church."
" Alas ! " replied Gromof, " that is what we are do-
ing. But our people do not respond to the first
appeal. We have yet to instruct them and teach
them their rights."
" And you desire us to remain inactive and wait for
these babes to grow up ? Oh, no 1 You cannot
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JACOB IN FLIGHT. 403
expect that any more than for us to return to the
Greek calendar."
" But you are going to your own destruction. You
are on the brink of an abyss."
" An abyss ! To hell ! rather than your yoke,"
cried an impetuous youth.
This argument was interrupted by a woman who
came to tell that her son had been sent to the citadel,
and that she had succeeded in saving some very com-
promising papers that he carried on his person.
After the woman came a youth almost a child. He
told how he had fled from the soldiers who had seized
him for the Russian service.
Amid this noisy crowd came and went women chat-
ting tranquilly, carrying important despatches hidden
in their stockings or their corsets, and messengers
waited while cobblers drew the nails from the
heels of their boots where messages had been
inserted.
Jacob saw before him an admirable tableau of devo-
tion. To him the spectacle was most pitiful, for he
was convinced that all these efforts could only result
in a final catastrophe. Kruder returned. He in-
formed his friend that one hour after their departure
the police had invaded his dwelling, searched his
papers, demolished stoves, had even taken up part of
the floor, and carried away as sole trophy a pocket
pistol, a prohibited weapon. The house was placed
under strict supervision, and the search for Jacob was
now going on in the streets.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
\
404 THE JEW.
There remained to him the choice between flight or
prison; but whither should he fly? He thought of
some obscure streets where the poor Jews lived. He
had among them many friends whom he had aided in
their distress. He had often penetrated into these
houses of misery with the idea of devoting himself
some day to their total extinction. With this end in
view he had organized a Jewish school, for in his
opinion popular instruction was the basis of moral
reform and material improvement.
One man in particular in this quarter he ki^ew well.
A certain R^b^ Schmul, a petty merchant who had
been on the verge of bankruptcy when Jacob had set
him once more on his feet. His back loaded with
old clothes, he walked in the cold or the heat crying
in the streets, ''Hendel! Hendeir' ("Old clothes ! old
clothes ! ") Nothing escaped his glance or his hearing.
He heard the calls from the garrets, and introduced
himself into the courts at the risk of being harshly
treated. It was a laborious business, and often
scarcely sufficed to sustain existence. At the most it
permitted him to buy a little fish and a morsel of
white bread for the Sabbath.
R^b6 Schmul and his wife were growing old ; they
had five daughters, two of whom were married, while
three remained at home. In all, five mouths to feed.
To do this it was necessary that each day, in all
seasons, the pedler should tramp from early morning
until nightfall. He must also be careful not to make
a bad bargain in buying old clothes, which often
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JACOB IN FLIGHT. 405
appeared so well that a hole would pass unperceived.
There lies the danger of the business, and Schmul,
although experienced, had been taken in more than
once. Tall and thin, he did not look his age, for, as
he said, he had no time to think of it. In this busi-
ness, which he had followed for more than thirty years,
he had become a keen observer of men ; and from
this study was bom in his soul not contempt, but
compassion, for his fellow-creatures. Although he
was very poor, he often found some one more un-
fortimate, who drew from him the last sou in his
pocket in charity. Besides this sensibility, he was
distinguished by a jovial humour. His natural gayety
served him well in trading. A smile always attracts,
and he by his bright ways encouraged men who were
obliged to sell their best garments, and softened the
bitterness of the sacrifice. Schmul always had a joke
to tell, and a smile on his lips, when he left home
in the early morning or when he returned weary and
footsore at night. He treated his sick wife with
pleasantry ; by pleasantry he consoled his daughters
in their chagrins ; and lastly he fortified himself there-
by, when he felt that a sigh was likely to escape his
breast.
No one celebrated with more enjoyment the feast
of the Sabbath than did Schmul, in his narrow and
crowded lodging, by the Hght of a tallow candle.
His business did not prosper, although he worked so
hard. This was a disappointment to him, for he had
dreamed of enlarging his stock by the addition of
Digitized by VjOOQIC
4o6 THE JEW,
blacking and matches ; but circumstances had not as
yet permitted the realization of his hopes. Then he
bought tickets in the lottery, and each time hoped to
gain the grand prize. In vain did his wife beg him to
renounce this delusion, and use the money in buying
the necessaries of life for his family. When she had
scolded him well, his only reply was that he must
not shut his door against the good God.
Schmul lodged with his family on the third floor of
a large house inhabited by many other Jewish families,
all equally poor. This building, it is needless to say,
did not shine with neatness. It was constructed in a
rectangle with a narrow front, and opened upon a
court. On each story a wooden gallery served for
the workroom of the household. Here they washed
and dried the linen. Here they split the wood, and
cooked the food, and dressed the children. What
did they not do here ? Old clothes of all kinds were
stretched on ropes, and the odours of the cooking, the
steam from many wash-boilers, the waters from which
ran through the court, produced a perfume which the
lodgers endured from force of habit only. The in-
habitants were like one family, many of whom had
been bom and were destined to die in this receptacle
of misery.
Schmul occupied three dark rooms, where the air
and the light came only from the court. You can
imagine what air and what light ! Both had to filter
through the wet clothes and the rags which hung on
the ropes stretched from one gallery to another.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JACOB IN FLIGHT, 407
One of these rooms served for a parlour, and
possessed a rickety sofa and two old arm-chairs.
The other apartment was the bedroom for the old
couple; the third, the chamber of the three girls.
It was here that the Schmul girls cleaned, patched,
and mended the old clothes. A memorable event
happened here. The father loved to tell of it as a
proof of the protection of Providence.
Ten years before, the pedler's position was des-
perate. He had been so unfortunate as to buy some
clothes that proved to be stolen. He was obliged to
give back the goods, beside paying a large fine. To
raise the money for this he had appealed to several
friends in vain. Seeing no way out of his embarrass-
ment, he had gone out and had succeeded in selling
an old cloak for a few florins. He had just returned
home when a soldier came and wished to sell him an
old velvet waistcoat. He refused to buy it ; but the
man insisted, and seizing him by the arm, made such
a noise that Schmul gave him a small sum for the
garment. He soon perceived that he had made a
poor purchase, for it was nearly worthless. He gave
it to one of his girls to patch, who presently uttered a
great cry of joy, for under each button she had found
a piece of gold, the total of which was sufficient to
pay the fine.
The waistcoat contained also a paper written over
closely, but the writing was almost effaced and inde-
cipherable.
It was not possible to return the garment to its
Digitized by VjOOQIC
4o8 THE JEW,
owner, for the soldier had evidently stolen it. Never-
theless, Schmul did not believe it right to appropriate
a sura which seemed to have been sent from Heaven ;
he considered himself the depositary, and distributed
the whole in small sums to political prisoners. This
act describes the man. Unfortunate though he was,
he paid his debt to an unknown. He often showed
pieces of the waistcoat when he had occasion to
relate the story, and returned thanks to Providence,
for he was very pious.
He always left home early in the morning and did
not return until dark. He carried an old umbrella,
formerly blue, but become by long usage an indefin-
able colour. It was less to shield himself than to
shelter his merchandise from the rain, the snow, and
the sun. His breakfast was invariably composed of a
raw onion or a smoked herring, with a morsel of
bread and a small glass of brandy. In the evening he
loved to find some hot dish awaiting him, and seated
at the table he related the most amusing incidents
of the day, to which his family listened attentively.
Then came the prayer before going to bed.
The pedler was generally loved on account of his
good character and jovial spirit. People were sur-
prised that with his intelligence he had not already
made his fortune. He replied by likening himself to
a pair of scissors. Be they ever so sharp, they were
no use without something to cut. Gold was the some-
thing that God, in his wisdom, had not given to every
one.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JACOB IN FLIGHT. 409
Jacob arrived at the staircase which led to the
Schmuls' lodging. He ascended without seeing the
pedler, who, returning from his work, followed him,
and stopped at the same time before the door of his
lodging, on which was, graven the name of God.
Following the custom, he touched it with his hand
and afterwards kissed it. It was then that Schmul
recognized him.
^^ Salem alekem,^^ said he.
^^Alekem salem^^ replied the fugitive.
" Rabbi Jacob, tell me why I am honoured by your
presence? " asked Schmul.
" I am in trouble," replied Jacob.
" Can I do anything for you? "
" Yes, and easily, I hope."
" Even if it were not easy you may count on me to
do all I can."
They entered ; the old man dusted the sofa and
the table in Jacob's honour, and begged him to be
seated. The prettiest and the boldest of his daughters,
Ros^l^, came to help him. Notwithstanding their
poverty, she was dressed neatly and in good taste, and
her beautiful black eyes indicated a certain coquetry.
" Now that you are seated," said Schmul, " I will
listen to you."
" In a moment. Rest yourself first, you must be
tired."
" Oh, as for that, yes ! I cannot say how many
stairs I have cHmbed to-day. I have done well.
There are some young Poles who sold their last fine
Digitized by VjOOQIC
410 THE JEW,
shirts to buy thick warm garments. I did not have
to make myself hoarse to-day by crying * Hendel T
Everybody called to me. They sold at any price. I
had not enough money, and was obliged to borrow of
old Mortchel."
" I am obliged," said Jacob in a low voice, *' to
leave Warsaw. The police paid a visit to my house
this morning."
" To your house ? Is it possible ? Are you then.
Rabbi Jacob, one of those madmen who tempt
God?"
" No j but the Russian government often arrests in-
nocent people."
" This is true. They do it every day. No one is
secure here, nor ever has been under Russian rule."
" Do you know any one who can conduct me in
safety to the first post station?"
" Certainly. Under this very roof dwells Mordko.
As every one must live by some means, he is a smug-
gler. Merchandise, papers, men, he gets them all
across the frontier. Thus, by exposing his head every
day, he feeds his stomach."
"Can I trust him?"
"Entirely. This Mordko is a queer fellow, and
when you see him you will not doubt him. Half
mute, almost blind, he can scarcely say four words or
take three steps. He has such a stupid and innocent
air that he is never suspected. I wDl go and find
him."
Madame Schmul came in to keep Jacob company,
Digitized by VjOOQIC
JACOB IN FLIGHT. 411
and at the half- open door the three girls peeped at
him with admiration. Ros^l^ said to herself ; " What
happiness for me if I could please this rich man.
But, alas ! I must not think of it. I am called beau-
tiful, but no doubt I should not satisfy a man such as
he."
In a few moments Schmul returned with a very
shabby individual. He looked at Jacob from head to
foot attentively.
" He already understands the situation," said the
pedler. " You need make no further explanations."
" I wish to leave at once," said Jacob.
" To-night? No ! " replied Mordko. "Too dan-
gerous ! Morning will be better."
" But I cannot sleep here, there is no room, and
the hotels are surrounded by the police."
" I know a place where you can sleep quietly. I
will return in a moment, and conduct you to it."
As soon as Mordko had gone, Schmul said to his
visitor : —
"Your flight gives me great sorrow. When will
you return? No one knows. Your absence is a mis-
fortune for the Israelites. You are the only one who
could restore our old purity of religion. No one
else, and now you are taken from us."
" If I am really useful to our cause, be sure that
the God of Israel will protect me," replied Jacob.
" Then you will return, safe and sound. I have a
presentiment. And waiting here we will drink th^
bitter cup to the dregs."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
412 THE JEW,
Mordko returned, and Jacob, under his guidance,
went to a small hotel in the suburbs, where he was
given an isolated chamber. He soon slept, and
for several hours the fugitive was oblivious to the
world.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
LOVE OF COUNTRY.
413
CHAPTER XXVIII.
LOVE OF COUNTRY.
It was not an easy thing to travel in Poland in the
time of the revolution. The country was scoured by
bands of Cossacks, and battalions of regular troops
inundated the cities and villages, took possession of
any place they fancied with impunity, and committed
all kinds of excesses. In the ravaged fields the un-
fortunate farmers beheld both their friends and ene-
mies tear from them the nourishment of their wives
and children.
Mordko brought Jacob safely by a circuitous route
to the post station, whence a carriage took him to the
village where Jankiel dwelt.
Here he learned that the two Davids were absent.
The elder lived in Warsaw, under the protection of
the Russian governor, and the younger took some
part in the insurrection, and had acquired the name
of an ardent patriot.
Jacob surprised Jankiel, all alone, bent over a large
book. He saw how suffering had emaciated the old
man, who, not divining who his visitor was, did not
raise his head, but signed with his hand that he wished
to finish his pious meditation. At the end of a few
Digitized by VjOOQIC
414 THE JEW,
moments he closed his book, and recognizing Jacob,
received him with great cordiality.
" Do you bring me bad news? " he asked.
"No, I will tell you all frankly. I have been
threatened with arrest ; for what, I know not. I have
been advised to absent myself, and I come to you to
shelter me a little while from the storm."
" The storm is still far from its end. The clouds
thicken ; but come what will I receive you with all my
heart, and my house is at your service."
" I am at present at the hotel."
Jankiel rose, went to the door, and called by name
a Jew who was passing, and who came running to him.
" Go and get this gentleman's luggage at the hotel,
and bring it to the chamber opposite mine.
" I will not permit you to dwell away from me,"
said he. "There is in this village a regiment of
soldiers, who search every traveller. You will be safe
here. But much as I desire your company, and you
know how welcome you are, yet believe me it will be
better for you to leave this place. There will soon
be trouble here. The Russians are letting the revo-
lution grow, so as to have a greater chance for pillage.
I have been through all this before, in 1809, 181 2,
and 1 83 1. What the result will be now, God only
knows; but I fear the worst."
After a moment of silence and visible embarrass-
ment, he added : —
" My wife is ill, my daughter is ill, and our house
is in mourning. Only the holy books help me to
Digitized by VjOOQIC
LOVE OF COUNTRY,
415
bear my sorrow. Those people," he pointed to the
house of the Davids, " are gone. One to the city, the
other, it is said, to the insurgents. I do not congratu-
late them on the acqiusition. Unhappy is the cause
which is upheld by impure men ! "
Jankiel and Jacob were reading, when suddenly
there was heard in the silent street the sound of
horses galloping over the uneven pavement. From
the window they saw in the square below a group of
Cossacks and several carts. There were savage cries,
and then, in a vibrating voice, came an order for
silence from the commander.
Jankiel sent out for information. A detachment
of Russian soldiers, the advance guard of several
regiments, escorted a chief of the rebels taken in a
bloody combat, wounded and dying. The straw bed
on the cart where the man lay was soaked with blood,
and yet, if alive, he would be hung on the morrow !
Such was the story told by the soldiers, who soon
spread themselves through the dwellings of the
village.
Jankiel foresaw that some of the officers would be
quartered upon him, and, fearing what might follow,
went to hide his daughter in her mother's room. He
disposed of his money in secret places, known only to
himself, keeping in his pocket a sufficient sum for
urgent necessities. The precious vessels had already
been carefully put in a place of safety. With perfect
presence of mind he warned the servants to say that
Jacob was his son-in-law, and then seated himself
Digitized by VjOOQIC
4l6 THE JEW,
quietly to await events. The village was full of sol-
diers, who received orders to form a camp in the
market square. The officers alone installed them-
selves in the private houses, and the night was advanced
when the colonel of the regiment arrived at JankiePs
dwelling.
He was not a barbarous-looking man ; his manner
and bearing were those of a cultured person. Not-
withstanding, the man was not necessarily a gentle-
man. For in the Russian army, as in Russian society,
superficial culture often covers the most base corrup-
tion. Men who are charming in the drawing-room
are often cruel and brutal in the exercise of authority,
as if they wished to make up to themselves for the
restraint placed on them by the requirements of
society. The colonel bore a G^erman name, Tende-
mann; his extraction was a mystery to every one,
and perhaps to himself.
He was pale, excited, and angry ; the reason for
which was the responsibility which rested on his shoul-
ders. He was no longer a man ; he was a Russian in
the full sense of the word. He entered without
saluting any one, and without informing the propri-
etor. All he thought of was to lodge comfortably.
At the door of his sick wife's room Jankiel barred the
way respectfully, and said ; —
" This is my wife's room, who is sick in bed."
The colonel, without noticing the old man, opened
the door, examined the place indicated, looked into
the next room, and then descended in silence to the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
LOVE OF COUNTRY.
417
lower floor. There he stopped, and said that he
would stay for the night. His men soon spread them-
selves over the house, demanding loudly a samovar, a
fire, candles, and hot water. In a spacious chamber
several officers were engaged in boisterous conversa-
tion ; from above it sounded like the noise of a storm
accompanied by peals of thunder.
Jankiel and Jacob were seated alone, watchful and
anxious. Information gathered from the servants veri-
fied the first reports. A Russian detachment, sent in
the pursuit of a troop of insurgents, had surprised
them in the middle of the night, surrounded and cap-
tured them. The Poles defended themselves with
their usual heroism, but they lacked ammunition, and
they were soon beaten. Their young chief fought
valiantly until he fell grievously wounded. It was this
hero whom they were taking to be hanged, a proof of
his distinction, for the other officers who were captured
had been simply shot on the spot. The colonel of
the detachment watched this prisoner with great care,
that he might not escape the scaffold, and ordered
him placed in a neighbouring house under a strong
guard, — an unnecessary precaution, for the unfortunate
could not move and his case was a desperate one.
His name the Russian soldiers mutilated after their
fashion. Like most of the revolutionary chiefs, he
went under one that was assumed.
The sufferings of the unknown, for whom a scaffold
was being erected on the market-place, moved Jacob's
s)anpathies strongly. If he could not serve him, he
Digitized by VjOOQIC
4l8 THE JEW.
believed it his duty to at least console him. He com-
municated his desires to Jankiel.
" The thing seems very difficult to me," replied the
old man ; " but I will try and see him. After all, I
do not risk much at my age."
Then Jankiel put on his long black coat, took his
czapkay descended the staircase, and begged the
guard at the door to announce him to the colonel.
The latter was lying on the sofa, his legs stretched
out, with a cigar in his mouth, when Jankiel entered
and stood respectfully at the door.
"What do you want?" asked the colonel
brusquely.
" I wish to know if your lordship lacks anything."
" If I wanted anything in the house, I would take
it without your pennission. These are times of
war."
" Certainly."
"What do they think here of the rebels? "
" Nothing, that I know of."
" Have they passed by here ? "
" No."
" You all reply the same way, for you are at heart
their friends. Jewish dogs ! "
" We have always been loyal to our sovereign."
" And why, then, do you not chase the insurgents,
and give them up to the authorities? "
" That would not be natural for Jews. We are
peaceful men and have a horror of war."
The colonel rose and walked up and down the
Digitized by VjOOQIC
LOVE OF COUNTRY.
419
room. Jankiel bowed low, and said to him in a low
voice : —
" Your lordship knows, perhaps, that, following a
custom of our religion, when a man is sentenced to
death, it is the duty of the Jews where the execution
takes place to offer a repast to the condemned."
"What is that you are saying? The custom of
which you speak no longer exists. You have in-
vented it. Why do you wish to see the prisoner, and
how dare you lie to me ? "
The custom did not really exist; Jankiel had
imagined it in pious thought, but how could Colonel
Tendemann know about it ? That is what the Jew
asked himself, fixing a scrutinizing glance on the
officer.
" Why do you look at me thus ? What do you
mean? " cried the colonel.
" It is admiration, for Vour lordship must be deeply
learned to know what the Talmud does and does not
contain. You have then, no doubt, read that which
the rabbin Ichochuah said of prisoners."
The colonel, pale and trembling, listened to the old
man. There seemed to be a struggle going on within
him ; his lips trembled, and a mist came over his eyes ;
the voice of Jankiel made a strange impression on
him. He tried to force himself to be cruel, but in
vain, — an invincible sentiment held him. The old
man remarked this emotion, but did not know how
to interpret it.
After a short silence the colonel wiped his forehead,
and said in an angry tone : —
Digitized by VjOOQIC
420 THE JEW,
"Why do you remain here? What are you wait-
ing for? Go away ! Go away ! Do not think of
the condemned. His hours are numbered."
" May your lordship " —
" Gk) away before I do something to you ! " cried
he. At the same time he approached the Jew, and
whispered in his ear in German : —
" Go away. I will come to you soon."
In the German pronunciation of the colonel, as
well as in his features, there was a barely perceptible
trace of Jewish origin. But why suppose this Russian
officer to be a child of Israel? Jankiel refused to
admit the thought. Nevertheless, he could not for-
get it, and was thinking of it when he entered the
room. He said nothing to Jacob, who went to his
chamber, a prey to the deepest anxiety.
About a half-hour later a step was heard on the
stairs. The Muscovite entered, his face as white
as snow. He glanced eagerly around the room, the
Jewish character of which seemed to fascinate him ;
books, inscriptions, portraits of rabbins, all attracted
his attention. He held out his hand to Jankiel, and
said to him : —
" Salem alekem:'
'^Aiekem saletn^^ replied the old man, amazed.
No more explanation was needed. Without doubt
the colonel was a Jew. His father, or he himself, in
order to enter the service of the government, had
adopted the orthodox Greek faith. Nevertheless, the
fire of the belief of his ancestors and of his repudi-
ated race burned beneath the ashes.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
LOVE OF COUNTRY, 421
The colonel seated himself. Jankiel observed him
thoughtfully.
The Russian's figure trembled with the remorse of
apostasy. He was one of those numerous Jews who
have adopted the belief, the customs, and the preju-
dices of the country in which they live, but have, in
spite of themselves, often after several generations,
irresistible longings for the faith of their fathers.
By a sign he indicated to Jankiel the sacred word
inscribed on the door, and, approaching with vener-
ation an open volume of the Talmud, turned the
leaves respectfully. For many years he had not come
in contact with the Hebrew characters and the
language of the commandments, but he remembered
the days of his childhood, when his father taught him
secretly to read that language which had come upon
earth from the mouth of God. At first he could
hardly read the letters, but little by little light dawned
upon him, and with intense delight he read on, ob-
livious to all around him ; the day's combat, the tragedy
of the morrow, his military rank, Russia, his Czar, and
the entire world were all forgotten.
His eyes, unused to weep, were full of tears, of re-
gret or of consolation it would have been difficult to
say which ; probably the two sentiments were united.
By chance his eyes fell upon this prayer for the
dead : —
" God of mercy, deign to remember the men who
have been more swift than the eagles and stronger
than the lions in the accomplishment of thy holy will.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
4^2 THE JEW,
and do not forget to show thy vengeance on those who
have shed the blood of thy servants."
Jankiel contemplated with emotion that which
seemed to him a miracle. The colonel, after reading
for some time, seemed overcome, and leaned back in
his chair. His host said to him gently : —
" God will be merciful to those who repent."
'* I do not know," answered the servant of the
Czar, "which I ought to regret more, — what I have
been, or what I am ; but is it my own fault that I am
a renegade? My father chose for himself and for me.
I belong to-day to an alien race. I weep when I re-
member Israel, until a wild madness possesses my
spirit ; then I tremble lest they may recognize under
his new skin the cursed Jew. I tremble for fear I may
betray myself by pitying a brother Jew. My children
do not know that the blood of Jewish rabbis flows in
their veins. Ah, may they never know that they are
the children of a traitor, of an apostate ! "
" Brother," said Jankiel, hastening to take advan-
tage of his softened mood, " what are you going to do
with the prisoner? "
" Do not speak of him. He is condemned by su-
perior orders. To-morrow will be his last day on
earth. I am sorry, but I can do nothing."
" It is a pity. Perhaps he has a mother, a sister, or
a wife. I wish I could be permitted to see him."
" What is he to you ? What have we Jews in com-
mon with the Poles? Have you forgotten their con-
duct toward our people ? "
Digitized by VjOOQIC
LOVE OF COUNTRY,
423
" I do not forget that we are bom on the same
soil," said the old man.* "And our immortal law-
giver orders us to raise the burden from the weary
beast. Should we have less compassion for a man,
even if he were a pagan?"
" I am under the surveillance of a thousand evil
eyes. You can, however, buy my soldiers with brandy
or money. For money these wretches would sell their
own father and mother. And then you may do what
you can for the unfortunate man."
" You will permit it ? I will send my kinsman in
my place. He will be safe, will he not ? "
" I permit nothing. I will shut my eyes, and I wish
to know nothing of it."
Jankiel left the colonel for a moment to tell Jacob,
and found him dressed ready for any emergency. He
had already arranged a plan with an old Jew named
Herszko, nicknamed the Madr^. He put on his old
clothes, with two bottles of rum in his pockets, and
they went out on the street. The hour was late, the
soldiers snored, and the sentinel walked slowly oh his
beat. Before the house where the prisoner was shut
up an under officer watched, seated on a bench. He
cursed and swore between his teeth. Fortunately, he
was a confirmed drunkard, by name F^dor Michailo-
vitch Chelmenko. As soon as he saw the two Jews
in the distance he immediately thought that this
might bring him a rouble, or at least a glass of
brandy.
" Good-evening, officer," said th^ Madr^ ; he saw
Digitized by VjOOQIC
424 ^^^ 7^^'
that this was only an underling, but gave him the full
title, hoping thereby to tickle his vanity.
" Pass thy way, Jew 1 " cried Chelmenko.
" You must be weary, seated on this bench."
" Certainly it is not very pleasant."
" Then why do you remain here ? "
"What is that to you?"
" Excuse me, mere curiosity."
Herszko mischievously showed the neck of the bot-
tle as if it were about to leap out of his pocket ; Chel-
menko saw it ; the very sight of it made his mouth
water.
" Let me taste it, miscreant," cried he.
"You guess what it is? No? Well, it is the
genuine Jamaica rum, worth a rouble and a half a
bottle."
" Let me see, quick ! "
Madr6 handed him the bottle ; the officer put it to
his lips and swallowed some of the rum with great en-
joyment, then said : —
"Now tell me what this means? "
" Officer," answered the old man, " my companion
is a Jew, as well as myself. We have heard, but
perhaps we are misinformed, that your prisoner is
called Bai'kowski; if so, he owes a large sum of
money to my companion, who wishes to see him, and
get his money, if possible."
" Rebels, rascals, knaves, get out of here ! Don't
you know that no one can see the prisoner? It is
strictly forbidden."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
LOVE OF COUNTRY.
425
Without hesitation Madr^ deposited on the bench
the other bottle, and beside it three roubles.
" No one. I cannot let any. one enter," murmured
the Muscovite ; then after a moment of reflection he
added : —
" Follow me."
" Not I, but my companion," said the old man.
" Which you like. It is nothing to me."
Chelmenko, already tipsy, conducted Jacob to a
door which he opened with a key. He pushed him
into the room and shut the door after him.
The dark apartment was lighted by a single tallow
candle, which hung in a lantern suspended from the
ceiling. By this uncertain light Jacob saw stretched
on a straw pallet in the corner a human form with
one arm extended. From the breast of the man came
deep and broken respiration like that of the dying.
The condemned made an effort to carry his hand
to his wounded leg, but he fell back heavily with a
sharp cry. His head was a little raised, and by the
ray of light which fell on his face, Jacob, with a great
cry of sorrow, recognized Ivas.
With disordered hair, foaming mouth, and wild
eyes, the young man raved ; —
" I am ready. March ! A ball in my leg ! No
matter ! Down with the Muscovites ! Let us attack
them ! "
Then silence.
" Ivas ! Ivas ! " cried Jacob. " Don't you know
me?" The sick man turned bis eyes toward him.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
426 THE JEW,
"You? Who are you?" said he. "Pole or
Russian ? A spy, perhaps. Yet that voice ! Aqua
Sola ! Lucie Coloni ! Paris — the boulevards 1 Who
are you?"
"Jacob, your friend Jacob."
" Ah ! Jacob the patriarch. Are you also a rebel ?
Oh, my leg, my leg ! It is terrible ! "
" Ivas, try to collect your thoughts," said Jacob.
" Perhaps I can be useful to you."
" Certainly ! More arms, more ammunition. Give
them to me ! "
"My brother, you are wounded; a prisoner con-
demned."
" Ah, yes ! I remember. We were concealed in
the forest. Beaten ! Wounded ! How dark it is
here ! Is it a hospital or a tomb ? Can they not at
least bury me decently?."
" Have you any wish to have carried out, anything
to confide in me?" asked Jacob.
"The Cossack told me that I would be hanged
to-morrow. No matter ! I will return to the world
in the form of a mad dog to murder them. Towian-
ski teaches the transmigration of souls. He is right.
If there is a God, where is he ? Is he afraid of the
Russians?"
" Ivas," repeated Jacob, " rouse yourself, and tell
me if you have any last instructions to give me."
" Liberty or death ! Have they all perished ? The
scaffold awaits me. A cord of hemp. After that,
nothing ! It will hurt my throat, like strong tobacco.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
LOVE OF COUNTRY, 427
Were you ever hanged, ray Jacob? No? Who
knows; perhaps you were, under another form, ac-
cording to Towianski. It will, I think, be the first
time for me. I haven't the least idea of the thing,
but I will be calm ; I am no coward."
" Ivas, have you anj^ relations, any friends ? tell
me.
" None ! My mother died a long time ago. There
is no cross over her grave. She was too poor ; I was
a little boy. With pebbles I designed a cross. My
father? I have never seen him. Other relations?
They turned the cold shoulder to me because I was
poor. My will? Behold it. To arms ! "
" Nothing more?"
"Nothing," replied Ivas, who had somewhat re-
gained his mind. " Nothing. I have no one in the
world. Ah, yes ! there is some one. You remember
that old house that I showed you one day in Warsaw ?
On the fourth floor lives Marion, sad and thoughtful.
She is a laundress, but in her former life she was, I
am sure, a queen. But she has forgotten it. I think
she loves me. Tell her that I thought of her when
dying. She made me two shirts for the journey. Her
hands are large and red, but she has the heart of an
angel. Or, rather, tell her nothing. That will be
better. She will forget me, and console herself with
a Russian officer. The poor girl ! "
" Ivas," said Jacob, " my time here is short, we
shall never meet again. Be calm, and think if there
is anything you wish me to do."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
428 THE JEW,
" I ask you to avenge me. How hot I am ! Ah !
Ah ! An immense cemetery. They dance. The
earth is freshly broken up at the sound of a violin.
Some bears are dancing. The good God is looking
at them from heaven through a little skylight. He
strokes his mustache, and marks the measure."
" Ivas," cried Jacob, " be calm, I beg of you."
"Yes, I remember there were millions. We were
a handful, and they attacked us, but we fought them.
We did our duty ! All dead ! RequiescantI Is
this death? Provided my soul does not enter into
the body of a Muscovite, I do not care."
Jacob tried, without success, to make Ivas realize
his situation. As soon as the dying man became
more conscious, the pain of his wound was so ex-
treme that, to prevent himself from crying aloud, he
buried his head in the straw ; then the delirium re-
turned. It was a heartrending spectacle.
" Do you wish a priest? " asked the Jew.
" A priest ? There was one in our band. Brave
frater ! A ball in his head, he is dead. A priest for
me? What good? I have not confessed since my
mother was no longer here to make me kneel and
pray. A priest ! I want none. It would do no
good, for God has gone on a visit to St. Petersburg,
and no one knows when he will return. They do not
confess the dead, and I am already dead, although I
can still speak."
Then he continued his raving.
"Do you think they could have taken me alive?
Digitized by VjOOQIC
LOVE OF COUNTRY,
429
Never ! Tell Marion that I had one of the shirts on,
and the handkerchief around my neck, and also the
medal of Notre Dame de Czestokowa, but the mother
of God did not aid me ! They have killed me ! "
Jacob tried to revive him with some cologne that
he had in a little flask. He bathed his forehead and
temples, and poured several drops in his mouth ; but
it was useless.
" You perfume me," said the poor boy. " I smell
it. I cannot go to the ball, I cannot dance."
He grew worse and his ravings continued. Snatches
of songs, military commands, fragments of prayers and
oaths, were all mingled together in an unintelligible
manner.
Jacob was kneeling, holding the burning head of
his friend, when suddenly some one struck his shoul-
der. It was the officer.
" Enough of this ! Get up and come away 1 " said
he.
" Dear Ivas," cried Jacob, without paying attention
to the man ; " one word more, dear Ivas, yout last
word ! "
The condemned raised himself, threw his arms
around his friend's neck, and with an expression full
of love and enthusiasm, cried : —
" My country ! "
Then he fell back weeping and laughing at the same
time. The delirium had returned. The officer took
Jacob by the shoulder and forced him out of the
room.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
430 THE JEW,
Madr6 awaited him, and before he let them depart
the officer extorted a present.
Before retiring, Jacob knocked at JankiePs door.
" Have you seen the poor man? " asked his host.
"Yes."
Then he detailed the interview with Ivas which ter-
minated with the thrilling words, " My country ! "
During this sad recital, in the silence of the night
they could hear, on the square below, the blows of a
hammer. It was the gibbet of the young patriot
which they were finishing in the centre of the market-
place. They passed the rest of the night in prayer.
Ivas died before daybreak, and as they were un-
able to execute him living, they hanged his dead
body. The Russians having thus proclaimed their
victory quitted the village, leaving their souvenir of
terrorism.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE GORDIAN KNOT, 431
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE GORDIAN KNOT.
The same morning that Jacob left his house for fear
of arrest, Henri Segel returned to breakfast. It was
only at meal-times that he saw his wife, and then for
but a few moments. He usually went away so early
in the morning that Mathilde rarely saw him until
evening.
This day the poor woman, consoled by her ex-
planation with Jacob, had more colour than usual,
and appeared to have recovered her health.
" I am really distressed," said Henri, seating him-
self at table, " and you will share my anxiety when you
hear that Mann's prophecy has been realized. They
have tried to arrest Jacob."
Mathilde grew very pale, and cried : —
" Arrested ? Did you say arrested ? "
"Why this emotion?" replied her husband
smiling.
" Answer me ! I beg of you ! "
" He was warned in time, and has eluded the police,
but they have searched his house."
"I breathe," said Mathilde. "Is that all you
know?"
"Provided with a passport he will probably leave
Digitized by VjOOQIC
432 THE JEW,
for Austria or Prussia. He is a strange man, I never
could understand his character."
His wife smiled. Henri was annoyed at this mock-
ing smile and said : —
" It seems to amuse you that he should be an
enigma to me."
" Not \X. all. It is very natural. Your characters
are so dissimilar, that you could not possibly under-
stand each other."
Henri replied, with some bitterness : —
" You are very flattering. If this man, so opposite
to Tne, has all your sympathy, what sentiment then
have you for your humble servant? "
" My sentiment for you," replied Mathilde simply,
" you already know. It has satisfied you, and you
have never tried to awaken any other."
Henri looked at his watch, took his hat, and started
to go; then he returned, and said in an offended
tone : —
" My dear, if you are tired of our conjugal tie you
have only to say so. It is very distressing to me
to be the cause of your regret and of your secret
sorrows."
Mathilde looked at him with an air of dignity.
" You wish to say," asked she, " that you do not
find the situation to your taste ? "
** How can it be agreeable for me to contemplate
without ceasing the statue of melancholy? Is this
happiness? I think not. You must at least admit
that I bear my fate heroically."
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THE GORDIAM KNOT,
433
'* You reproach me ? "
" Your sadness, your gloomy looks, say plainly that
you are not happy.** .
" You believe, then, that "the honour of being your
wife ought to make me happy ? What can we do ? We
cannot change anything, can we ? We must bear it,
for we have taken before God a sacred vow, and must
drink from the same cup, be it bitter or sweet."
Henri grew excited, while his wife's face remained
as calm as marble. He shrugged his shoulders, and
hastily left the room. The carriage awaited him, and
he was driven alone to Muse. She was all alone, but
ready to receive company. She was elegantly dressed,
perfumed, and in charming humour, and she greeted
Segel warmly.
" Have you heard the news?" asked he.
"What news?"
"Jacob has fled."
" How could I, living in the same house, be ignorant
of it ; and I trembled for him, from what I know of
Colonel Sofronof and Count Bavorof."
"He is now almost an outlaw," replied Henri.
" More than once I have attempted, but unsuccessfully,
to make him listen to reason. What eccentricity I
He has often argued with the Russians and told all
his thoughts, and the Russians did not like his sin-
cerity; they required that men's convictions should
bow to them, or else be concealed. I pity Jacob;
but he is incorrigible and destitute of all prudence or
policy."
Digitized by\jOOQl€
434 ^^^ y^^'
Several visitors arrived. There was as usual a
mixed crowd, and on one side Mann harangued a
little group of friends.
" I avow to you, gentRmen," said he, " that I am
delighted to be delivered from Jacob. He was a most
compromising person, who belonged to neither party.
He stood entirely alone, and such individuals are
naturally victims of their narrow individuality; but
after all I hope that nothing very bad will happen to
him.'*
" Provided that he is not drawn into the revolution,"
remarked some one.
" I do not fear that," replied Mann. " Jacob is
not a man of action. He knows how to think and
talk only."
Just then Mathilde's father came in ; he was much
disturbed.
" What has become of Jacob," asked he.
" He has gone."
" Where ? That is what I wish to know. He was
the cause of a pretty scene at my house. His old
Jewess mother came there in her ridiculous costume
early this morning. She caused a general laugh in the
house. That is not all. Unfortunately there arrived
just then an aide of the Grand Duke Constantine.
She was seated in the sa/on. Groans, tears, lamenta-
tions ; judge of my situation ! I had great trouble
to rid myself of her. What a foolish visit ! The good
woman does not know where her son has gone but
she is sure he has not crossed the frontier."
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THE GORDIAN KNOT.
435
" We shall, no doubt, soon hear of his exploits,"
said Henri. " The laurels of Berko will prevent his
sleeping. He dreamed of the picture of Kossack,
and of giving the artist a new subject. That which is
most deplorable in this adventure is that it prejudices
the government against us all. It will be necessary
for us to be very circumspect, and to furnish fresh
proofs of our devotion and of our loyalty."
During these remarks from Mann the fascinating
Muse questioned Colonel Sofronof about Jacob. He
feigned surprise, and vowed that he had not heard of
Jacob's flight, with an assurance that proved that he
knew more about it than any one else. He questioned
right and left, expressed some chagrin, and promised
to make some inquiries, and from his face even Mann
guessed that the source of the denunciation was well
known to him.
" In these days," murmured Sofronof, " it is wise to
be doubly prudent as to what we say. Jacob did not
weigh his words. I think, however, that he is not
threatened with anything terrible. Perhaps tempo-
rary exile to the borders of Russia. He will not be
executed."
After the visitors had gone. Muse was going to the
piano when her mother came to her.
" Let us have a chat," said she.
" Well, say on, dear mamma."
" In all probability Jacob will never return."
"No matter, he is crossed off my list."
" Against whom, then, are your batteries directed ? "
Digitized by VjOOQiC
436 THE yElV.
" Against Henri first. Failing him, Sofronof."
''I wish to talk of this Muscovite. Under his
polished exterior I can discern the Tartar ; his fortune
is problematic, and his character is amiable enough in
society to be disagreeable in private life. I do not
like him. He is a cold-blooded animal. Why do
you not repulse him ? "
** Alas ! It may be necessary to take him as a last
resort."
"Henri gives us very little hope. He will not
divorce Mathilde, and she obstinately lives on. She
is not consumptive; her physician has told me so.
Her malady is only ennui and weakness. She may
live for years."
" Never fear. Henri becomes more amorous each
day. He has no secrets from me, and he has de-
cided to divorce her ; but, can you believe it, mamma,
she does not wish it. As she loves, I thought the
idea would please her ; but no. She has I know not
what strange notions of the sanctity of marriage, the
marital tie, and marriage vows, such ridiculous ideas !
The English governess, who often hears the conversa-
tion of the lovers, has related to me these sentimental
scenes. It is a Platonic love taken from some old
romance, and not from the romances of to-day, — a
mystical and unintelligible love. What fools they are
to refuse their own happiness ! Mathilde has even
told me of her theories. I adroitly led the conversa-
tion to the subject. Poor woman ! I could scarcely
keep from laughing in her face. Henri seeks his own
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE GORDIAN KNOT. 437
desires and mine. He dreads only the explanation
with his father-in-law."
" If you have gone so far with Henri, I must
hesitate no longer," said the mother. "We cannot
wait in this suspense until the judgment day."
'* These Russians, Bavorof and Sofronof, have played
me a villanous trick in forcing Jacob's flight. He
would have been of great use to us. Henri counted
on his presence when he put the question of divorce
before his father-in-law, for Samuel would be disposed
to consent on condition that Mathilde would marry
Jacob immediately after the rupture. No Jacob, no
divorce. We counted on him, and now he is gone."
'*What a misadventure," cried Madame Wtor-
kowska, wringing her hands.
" Bah ! We can arrange it. I will have Henri.
The others? I am disgusted with them.
Her mother said in a low voice : —
" To marry Henri will be the same as to marry a
widower, for a divorce is almost the same thing."
"What has that to do with it? I wonder how
many times most men have been widowers before
marriage."
" That is true. Then that is no objection ; but you
must hasten things, my child. Be quick about it."
" Ah 1 I understand that there is no money in the
house. I will borrow some of Henri."
Madame Wtorkowska thanked Heaven that had
given her so practical a daughter.
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438 THE yE]V.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE INSURGENTS.
"H , July, 1863.
"The Russians had scarcely vacated the village
when the insurgents arrived. They marched through
the streets, bearing a banner on which the national
colours were surmounted by a white eagle painted on
wood. They were a small band of men, armed for
the most part with scythes and pike-staffs, while some
had only heavy sticks with pointed iron ends. There
were no uniforms. Each one was equipped and clad
as circumstances had permitted at the time of his
enrolment. Their forms were strong, and their
faces expressed energy already clouded by dark de-
spair. All knew that they were marching to certain
death, and knew not what torture or misery awaited
them.
" The body of Ivas had been cut down after the
execution, but the gibbet still presented its gloomy
front to the market-place. The chief of the insurgents
saluted it, and inclined his head, and all his troop fol-
lowed his example. It was a mute and solemn
homage rendered to a martyr.
** I could not help feeling for these men a sentiment
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE INSURGENTS,
439
in which was mingled compassion, sympathy, and
respect.
" The young commander recognized me, for he had
seen me with Ivas at Warsaw. He was much affected
to hear from me that the condemned man had been
our mutual friend. ' One of our bravest,* murmured
he ; * but our country demands such sacrifices. Oh,
if only we were better armed ! *
" Our conversation was not of long duration. The
detachment had entered the village only to recruit,
and succeeded in gaining a dozen volunteers. They
also found some guns and swords, dating from 1831,
covered with rust.
"This heroism in poverty transported me back
several centuries to the times when the Israelites
rose against Roman oppression. Here was the same
self-sacrificing spirit, the same love of liberty. My
eyes filled with tears, and thoughts came into my
head that I had not before entertained.
" Let us go with them, thought I. Let us die in
the ranks of these heroes. It is glorious to shed one's
blood for his brothers.
"Yesterday I would have hesitated. To-day I
felt around me such an empty void that the fiiture
appeared aimless, and the thought of action inspired
me. I, who had refused money for the revolution, I
would offer my life. This seems strange, does it not?
But do not condemn me without reflection. It is
necessary to seal the act of alliance, contracted be-
tween the Israelites and Poles. My example will
prove that this alliance is accomplished.
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440 THE JEW.
" This letter, friend of my youth, is like my last
testament.
"I recommend to you my mother. Let my
brother Israelites know why I have taken this step.
I owe to the mission that we have received from God
to return again to the past of an elect people. This
mission is, to be more noble, more devout, and more
loving than other men.
" Farewell ! You already know all I wish to say,
for you have always been the confidante of my inmost
thoughts. It is you who have inspired me with the
resolution I have taken. If you had left me the
shadow of a hope, I would, perhaps, have valued my
life more ; but you said one evening that a woman
ought to be the wife of one man only, and as at the
same time my brother Israelites have refused to listen
to my voice, I am convinced that I am useless here
below.
" Do not regret me. God will give me grace to
meet death joyfully.
" To-morrow we leave here. I am well equipped.
I have bought a horse and arms ; I shall serve as a
private soldier, for there are already too many
leaders.
" God is great ; the soul is immortal, and pure spirits
may, perhaps, meet again in another world."
The reader has already divined that this was a
letter addressed by Jacob to Mathilde. We have
suppressed the commencement, which related to events
spoken of in the preceding pages.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE INSURGENTS. 441
Henri Segel received it in his mail, and hastened to
take it to his wife.
"What can it be? " asked he.
" A letter from Jacob," she replied, without hesi-
tation, recognizing his writing.
She read it hastily.
" What has become of- him," asked Henri again.
" He has joined the insurrection."
"Ah, it wanted only that ! He has done us a great
injury. The government will imagine that we are all
more or less implicated in his folly. But is the thing
certain?"
"There is no doubt whatever," and Mathilde read
with a trembling voice a passage from the letter.
The husband seeing her so agitated left her, and
himself became thoughtful and^ gloomy.
The news spread from mouth to mouth over the
city. Some refused to believe it, while others re-
joiced at it. Jacob had no warm friends, and few
were sorry for him.
The same evening Sofronof went in triumph to
Muse.
" Well ! He has joined the insurgents, this
man that you accused me of suspecting without
motive ! "
"You jest. Was he not the enemy of the revo-
lution?"
"Yet he has enlisted under their banner. The
Poles are all the same. The sight of their eaglet
always has an irresistible attraction for them."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
442 THE JEW.
" It is nothing to me/* replied Muse ; " but I will
not believe it without more ample information."
Just then Henri Segel arrived and confirmed the
news. He had a dejected air, and was careful not
to speak of the letter the colonel had had in his hand
that morning. He well knew that all suspicious letters
were read before the distribution of the post.
Mathilde's father also was much chagrined on hear-
ing the news. Without deep feeling, he had, never-
theless, a certain affection for his cousin. Perhaps,
also, he counted on him for restoring to health his
daughter, whom he saw daily fade before his .eyes.
Without saying anything, he hastened to Mathilde at
the hour when he was sure to find her alone. The
servant said to him that she was ill, and had given
orders to admit no one; but the father, using his
authority, went straight to her bedroom. He found
her with disordered hair, eyes red with weeping, and
cheeks burning with fever. Mathilde was no longer
the marble statue, cold, resigned, impassable, inert.
At the sight of an unexpected visitor she blushed
with the timidity of a child. But her education had
inculcated a respect, almost a veneration, for her
father, who had repelled all familiarity, all confidence ;
she tried, with a forced smile, to conceal the violence
of her grief.
" I pity Jacob," said the father abruptly. " He
courts his ruin ; 1 wish to save him."
"But how can you?" asked the daughter.
Samuel did not reply immediately. He took several
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE INSURGENTS.
443
Steps about the. room. It cost him something to be,
for the first time in his life, frank with his child.
Suddenly he stopped before her, and, looking at her
fixedly, said : —
" Your secret is known to me. Common sense has
until now commanded me to close my eyes. But the
time has come to treat the wound by severe cauteriza-
tion. Now or never. You love Jacob, and he loves
you. This love has not died out. I believed that
your childish affection would disappear, but, contrary
to my expectations, it has remained permanent, and
surpasses all my ideas of love. You are unhappy with
Henri ; he was not made for you ; his spirit is earthly,
and yours is exalted in a high degree."
" Nevertheless," said Mathilde, " I have nothing to
say against Henri."
" You mean that he observes the proprieties ; and
yet he has let himself be fascinated by Muse, who
deceives and despoils him. Do you wish to save
Jacob ? You can do it ; you alone. I will arrange a
divorce with Henri. He is anxious for it. Give your
consent, and the thing is done ; then I will marry you
to Jacob, who will make you happy. You can live in
Italy, and in a few years, when the country is again
peaceful, you can return to Poland. I will obtain
Jacob's amnesty ; I have influence enough for
that."
Mathilde kissed her father's hand, and said : —
" Dear father, I have never seen you as you are to-
day, so sympathetic toward your child, so thoughtful
Digitized by VjOOQIC
444 THE JEW,
for Jacob. Do not be angry, do not tell me that I am
foolish, but it is impossible."
''Why? Why?"
Mathilde replied with timidity : —
" I love him too well to throw myself in his arms.
I, a poor faded creature, broken and soiled by another.
Do you understand me ? "
" No ! Truly ! This is refinement which is beyond
my comprehension, a morbid sentimentality. You
say you love him ? The devil ! What more do you
want?"
Mathilde, sighing, replied : —
. " I have dreamed of a different kind of happiness."
"Give up these reveries, and content yourself with
the reality. Do you accept my proposition? Yes
or no?"
"Read his letter," said she, drawing near to the
lamp. " Here it is ; I will reply afterward."
Samuel took the letter, and commenced to read it
attentively. Mathilde retired to the next room, which
was not lighted. She sank into meditation. She was
torn by two conflicting feelings : her unworthiness of
becoming Jacob's wife, and the desire to belong to the
man she loved. In her perplexity she seemed to hear
an inner voice which said, " Let your father decide."
At the same time she accused herself of weakness, and
her heart beat violently.
" The letter," said her father, " confirms me in my
opinion. You alone can save him. A strange dreamer
is your Jacob ; but, after all, he possesses that which
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE INSURGENTS.
445
most of us lati, — finn principles and profound con-
victions. One esteems him in spite of one*s self."
Not caring to appear in the full light, the young
woman murmured in an agitated voice : —
" I am proud of you, my father. Dispose of your
child as you please." Then she threw herself at his
knees, and Samuel felt awaken in his heart feelings
which he had not believed himself capable of in-
dulging.
Lifting her up tenderly, he said, smiling : —
" I will attend to the affair. Sit down and write to
Jacob that you are free. He has only to equip fifty
or a hundred soldiers to replace him, and excuse his
retirement."
He spoke with a rapidity and warmth that surprised
himself, and he experienced a sensation of happiness
altogether novel to him.
When his daughter had finished the letter, he kissed
her tenderly, and whispered in her ear : —
" Not a word of this to Henri. I will manage
everything, and spare you needless annoyance."
Soon after Samuel appeared at the salon of the
Wtorkowskas. The siren was at the piano, sur-
rounded by her Muscovite gallants, who, listening,
forgot their administrative cares. Under cover of a
general movement, he quietly drew near Madame
Wtorkowska.
"I have something to say to you, madame,"
whispered he. " It is about an important matter that
concerns you."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
446 THE JEW,
"Very good!" replied she, rising and taking his
arm. *' Come to my room."
When they were alone, Samuel asked : —
" No one can hear usj I hope ? I wish to speak to
you with entire frankness."
" Do as you would in your own house,*' replied
she.
" To play a part is disagreeable to me, and so to
open the matter I will tell you, without reserve, that
I know that you are ruined, dear madame."
" Softly, softly ! "
" Softly, softly ! I am aware that your only fortune
•is your debts. Your only hope is your daughter. To
find a rich husband is not so easy. I am sure that
these are your opinions."
" We have several persons in view, monsieur."
"Who are they?"
" Count Bavorof."
" Bah ! A Russian who has no fortune but his
position. Beside, he is married. His wife lives in
Paris, and has no wish to be free, and in Russia
divorce can be obtained only by special influence. I
do not think you would be willing to give Muse to the
count."
" What nonsense you are talking."
"Who next?"
" Colonel Sofronof is madly in love."
" In the Russian fashion. Sofronof lives by his
appointments and thefts. He possesses some land,
mortgaged to its full value. I^t him pass. Next? "
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE INSURGENTS, 447
" The counsellor of state, Pikulinski."
"What! that old fool?"
" For a husband it does not matter."
" That is trie. In marriage, foolishness is at times
a good quality ; but his little property is pledged to
the Credit Foncier. Your counsellor is a nobody. His
emoluments are too slender. Another? "
Madame Wtorkowska sighed deeply. She was at
the end of her list, for it was hardly worth while to
mention, after the counsellor, two petty officials who
possessed only their titles and their brilliant uniforms.
Naturally she dared not suggest Henri Segel to his
father-in-law.
" Why, madame," replied Samuel, " are you lacking
in sincerity, when I come to chat with you in the
most confidential manner?"
" And whence comes, monsieur, this suddenly
friendly guardianship for my daughter and myself? "
" Your question is logical. It may be possible that
I am myself interested in the affair, and that may be
the cause of my solicitude to serve you. Confess, then,
with an open heart. Do not hesitate to mention the
name of my son-in-law, whom you have so en-
tangled."
" What do you mean ? I cannot shut my door on
Monsieur Segel."
"I know your plans, dear lady," replied Samuel
laughing. " Let us show our cards and be friends.
You have speculated — own it — on Mathilde's phthisis.
You have even wished that her physician would con-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
448 THE yEW,
firm your hopes. Bitter deception ! And during this
time you have endeavoured to ensnare Henri, and you
have made an easy conquest* Now, hsten to me,
madame. My daughter cannot be happy with him.
I cede him to you. Take him. Try and persuade
him to demand a divorce ; the initiative will never
come from Mathilde. You will have me for an
accomplice. I give him up freely. Do what you wish,
provided you rid me of him. Do you now understand
the cause of my solicitude for you ? "
Madame Wtorkowska was stupefied. She stood
still a moment. Then her joy overcame her. She
threw her arms around SamuePs neck, and kissed him
several times ; but, as he did not enjoy the caresses of
elderly matrons, he freed himself from her embraces,
and said : —
" Twenty or twenty-five years ago this exuberance
of affection on your part would have charmed me.
To-day it is too late. I am too old. What do you
think of my proposition? "
" Dear benefactor," replied she, wiping the perspi-
ration from her face with her handkerchief, " I cannot
reply without consulting Emusia. In a few moments
my rooms will be empty; she will see you herself.
Wait here."
" With pleasure, madame ; but I will light a cigar if
you will permit it."
"Ten if you wish," replied the mother, closing the
door on Samuel.
There were still some visitors in the salon. She
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE INSURGENTS. 449
made a secret sign to her daughter, and a few
moments afterward Muse complained of a headache.
Her admirers regretfully took their hats and left
the house. The particulars of the interview were
soon learned, and her delight was equal to that of
her mother.
Nevertheless, before going to meet Samuel, she as-
sumed a calm and dignified mien.
" Your mother has no doubt spoken of my proposi-
tion. Let us discuss, then, without restraint," said
Mathilde's father.
" But, monsieur, the subject is so delicate, so em-
barrassing, so painful."
" Painful, mademoiselle, in what way ? Not for you ;
nor for me, I think. Delicate. Yes ! Let us treat
it with delicacy."
" I like Mathilde so much," said Muse.
" Then you will give her a real proof of your friend-
ship by delivering her of a husband who does not suit
her, who will suit you, and who loves you."
Muse tried to appear very much embarrassed.
" Dear mademoiselle," said Samuel, " we can dis-
pense with acting ; you can gain nothing by it. I ask
of you entire frankness. If you wish to succeed, you
must act. Make Henri believe that Sofronof is a
dangerous rival. I T^iftU tell everywhere that the
colonel wishes to marry you at any price. Henri
will be in despair ; then push him to the end of the
wall ; exact a divorce, and advise him to take Mann
for an intermediary between him and me."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
450 THE JEW,
"That is admirably planned," cried Madame
Wtorkowska.
" Yes, the plan is excellent," added Muse, putting
aside all embarrassment. " I am sure I shall play my
part to the satisfaction of its author."
" Well, I will be obliged to you if you do not make
the play long. I am anxious for the end."
" I will do my best."
" I do not doubt that you will accomplish wonders,"
said Samuel, gallantly kissing her hand. " And now,
mademoiselle, do not fail to tell me if I can be in any
way useful to you at any time."
He then took his leave. Madame Wtorkowska
conducted him to the antechamber, and then re-
turned to throw herself in her daughter's arms. She
laughed and wept by turns for very joy. Muse was
more quiet, but no less delighted, and she passed part
of the night making plans for the morrow.
The n«ws soon spread through their circle of
acquaintances that Mademoiselle Wtorkowska was
soon to marry Colonel Sofronof. At first Henri
shrugged his shoulders ; but he heard it from so many
different sources, with details added by this one and
that one, that he grew uneasy, and, wishing to hear
the rumour denied, hastened to Muse.
She received him coldly, * and was so reticent on
the subject that it seemed as if she were on her guard,
and afraid of committing some indiscretion.
Segel thought that there must be some truth in the
rumour. He became furiously angry, and the in-
Digitized by VjOOQIC
THE INSURGENTS,
451
genious coquette soon brought about a quarrel. He
took his haty and she did not detain him ; but at the
door he paused, then returned, threw his hat on the
floor, and seated himself again, filled with wrath.
A violent scene ensued. Her mother appeared as
the deus ex machina. She reproached Henri with
compromising her daughter, and called him selfish
and heartless. The comedy waxed pathetic. Finally,
Henri had to choose between a dismissal or a divorce.
Vanquished and subdued, he promised to take at once
the steps required by them.
Muse then feigned to shed tears, and he tried to
console her. Her mother disappeared, leaving the
lovers alone. Segel obtained some kisses, and advice
to take Monsieur Mann as an intermediary, and he
promised to see Mann at once. Mann, well instructed,
at first resisted, moralized, and deplored the situation,
but ended by consenting.
And yet, when Henri returned home, he experi-
enced a strange feeUng of repentance for his haste.
Mathilde presented herself to his mind as calm, sweet,
and pure ; Muse, on the contrary, under a menacing
aspect. The one he did not love, but esteemed ; the
other he loved, but did not esteem. He loved her, if a
passion which was entirely sensual merits that name.
He saw himself in the future bound to a new com-
panion, full of coquetry and schemes, and endowed
with an unendurable mother-in-law. He saw the
luxury with which he would have to surround them,
and the slavery to which he would be doomed. He
Digitized by VjOOQIC
452 THE JEW,
shivered with dread at the very idea. Unhappily for
him, it was now too late to draw back.
Mathilde looked for an outburst the next morning
at breakfast ; but none came. Henri was unusually
reserved, almost timid ; he looked at his watch often,
and under pretext of important business soon left the
house.
Mann came to dinner, and informed Segel of the
happy result of his negotiations. At table the couple,
already morally divorced, seemed ill at ease. Ma-
thilde taciturn, Henri almost mute, let Mann and two
other guests do the talking. At dessert came Samuel,
who amused the company for some time with his witty
sayings. On leaving the table he took his daughter
by the hand to lead her to the garden. He insisted
on her putting on her hat, saying the sun was yet
warm ; then he conducted her to the street, where a
carriage awaited them.
" My dear child," said the father, " we will take a
short ride. It will do you good, for the air is fresh
and agreeable this evening." A half-hour after, the
carriage stopped at the door of her father's house.
"Here," said he, embracing Mathilde, "is your
home. You will not return to SegeVs. I have had
your old room prepared for you."
The gordian knot was thus severed with the greatest
simplicity. The young woman saw no more of her
former husband. Aided by the English governess,
she occupied herself with household cares. With what
secret satisfaction she renewed her former life ! Her
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THE INSURGENTS, 453
springtime revived. But she was at times a prey to
deep anxiety, for Jacob had not written since his letter
of farewell, and all traces of him were lost.
The revolution, contrary to all expectations, took on
larger proportions daily.
Owing to the assumed names which the chiefs and
soldiers of the insurrection bore, all steps to ascertain
Jacob's whereabouts proved fruitless.
Mathilde was almost in despair, yet she seemed to
hear a voice say to her : —
" God will give him back to you."
From that time she believed in God.
Each day she questioned her father, who, without
giving her great hopes, encouraged her not to despair.
Weeks and months passed. At last, early one morning,
he entered her chamber, and, in spite of his en-
deavours to conceal his feelings, appeared much
agitated.
"Prepare to leave to-day," said he. "Jacob is at
Cracow, wounded, but not dangerously."
Mathilde gave a great cry, and fainted, but soon
came to herself, and on the morrow was with her
father at the bedside 0/ her beloved.
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454 ^^^ 7^^-
EPILOGUE.
In the year eighteen hundred and sixty-five a
numerous company were reunited at the Albergo
della Grotta, where we will finish, as we have begun,
our veracious history.
To-day the company assumed a more cheerful
aspect than at the first meeting. It was composed
only of persons whose appearance denoted wealth or
competence. Here were no unfortunates who fainted
from want, like poor Ivas, and on whose faces could
be seen traces of misery and care.
In the privileged corner of the grotto, near the
murmuring fountain, a sumptuous table was set for
the most distinguished travellers. Instinctively Firpo,
the host, gave their titles in advance to Monsieur le
Comte and Madame la Comtesse. The choicest
wines, the freshest fruits, and a tablecloth whose snowy
whiteness was only excelled by the brilliancy of the
polished silver knives, forks, and spoons, were for
them. The other tables were already occupied by
the guests, here singly, there in groups. All belonged
to the class usually called aristocratic, who lead an
easy and luxurious life.
The day was warm ; the blue Italian sky shone in
all its splendour. The sea sang its immortal sym-
phony. The trees rustled harmoniously, the laurels
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EPILOGUE.
455
exhaled their perfumes, the golden oranges contrasted
with the dark green leaves, and the fresh sea-breeze
sweetly refreshed the limpid air.
Alone at a table a man was seated. He was the
same who, some years before, travelled this way in
company with the sprightly dancer, Gigante. But he
was no longer in joyous humour. He was Henri
Segel ; but how changed !
Equally isolated and bored we find our Tsigane,
Stamlo Gako, whom the reader has not forgotten.
He is more yellow and blacker than ever, and he has
grown stout, heavy, and somnolent.
There is another solitary traveller. It is Gromof,
who is not now accompanied by the charming Lucie
Coloni. He carries his head high, as if to brave
destiny. But his irritation betrays itself in every
movement. He amuses himself by making little balls
of bread crumbs, and throws out of the window the
fruit that he has scarcely tasted.
These three do not converse. The Russian and
the g5^sy have met before, as we have seen, but
they do not care to renew the acquaintance. As for
Segel, he has never spoken with either Gromof or
Gako.
A sumptuous equipage entered the court of the inn.
The host and the servants hastened to meet it. A
lady filled the whole interior of the vehicle with her
white robe, and one scarcely perceived in one comer
hidden under the immense crinoline, which was then
so fashionable, a little, thin, withered-looking man.
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456 THE JEW,
They were no doubt husband and wife. She
was in all the splendour of her youth, charming,
elegant, confident of her beauty, proud and victorious.
He, as one soon perceived, was the most humble
servant of her who bore his name and disposed of his
fortune.
He jumped out of the carriage, and with all the
manner and gallantry of a young man, despite his
fifty and odd years, presented his hand to his queen
to aid her to descend. She raised herself with
indifference, and gathered together the train of her
rustling robe.
At sight of this beauty, whom he immediately
recognized through the window near which he dined,
Henri rose as if he wished to avoid a disagreeable
meeting, but a retreat was impossible. To go out he
must necessarily pass them. He made an ironical
grimace and reseated himself.
The reader has recognized Muse, now actually
Baroness Von Kreig, the wife of a wealthy speculator,
whose nationality was a mystery to all, for he care-
fully concealed his Jewish origin. He did not give
himself out as a Pole, although living in Poland, but
passed sometimes for a Russian, oftener for a Ger-
man. Where and how did he steal the title of
baron? No one knew. It might have been, said
some, the recompense of a great financial operation.
He wore on his travelling coat several ribbons and
decorations.
The reader doubtless expected to hear of the mar-
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EPILOGUE,
457
riage of Muse and Henri, who were supposed to be
so much attached to each other ; but in consequence
of the fickleness and calculation of the lady, the mar-
riage had not come to pass. Henri, for her sake,
had divorced his wife, had proposed, been accepted,
and passed for her future husband everywhere. Muse
introduced him to all her friends, and he was proud
of his betrothed. It was then that the Baron Von
Kreig met the enchantress on the street. He had
known the mother of old, but avoided her because
she had the bad habit of borrowing money which she
always forgot to return. The baron had just lost his
second wife, and he required for his third, above all,
good health. He was struck with the blooming
beauty of Muse, and fell in love at first sight. The
next day he went to pay her a visit. Muse immedi-
ately coolly sat down, when she was alone, and com-
pared him with Henri. Von Kreig was ten times
richer, a baron, and could introduce her into the
most brilliant circles of society. He was well educated,
and, although old and dried up, was an excellent match.
Muse put forth all her powers of fascination, and soon
succeeded in bringing the baron to her feet. The
marriage with Henri was delayed under pretext that
the lace had not arrived from Paris. In the mean-
while the baron gained over the mother by consenting
without demur to the most advantageous settlements
for the daughter, imposed by Madame Wtorkow-
ska. The engagement was accomplished quietly.
Then there remained the rather unpleasant task of
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458 THE JEW.
breaking with Henri, who believed himself master of
the situation, and laughed at the attentions of the
baron.
It puzzled even the genius of these two women to
find a plausible or decent excuse for the rupture. In
the intervals of his life, as a betrothed between the acts,
as it were, Segel sought distraction at the theatre. He
was tied to the gauzy apron-strings of a sylph, or, in
plain words, a danseuse. This connection had lasted
for more than two years, and the evenings away from
Muse were passed with the beautiful danseuse. He
made no secret of it, and his carriage was often seen
at the door of the ballet-girl's dwelling. It was with
this, as a pretext, that Madame Wtorkowska sought to
break the engagement. In vain Segel asked for par-
don. He was dismissed, and received back the ring
he had given Muse. For this engagement ring he
had paid ten thousand francs, in Paris. It was a
superb solitaire surrounded with smaller diamonds,
each half a carat in weight. It was shown, as if by
accident, to the baron ; he felt the sacrifice, and with
noble emulation Von Kreig replaced it by another
which cost thirty thousand francs.
Segel stormed, but the baron solemnly conducted
Muse to the altar. The newly married couple started
on a wedding trip, which was to be the grand tour of
Europe, including all the large cities, baths, and fash-
ionable resorts.
The blackest ingratitude awaited Madame Wtor-
kowska. Her son-in-law paid her debts, and settled
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EPILOGUE,
459
on her a beggarly pension ; then took his leave cour-
teously, and forbade more than rare communications
with her daughter. The poor woman, who had calcu-
lated on managing everything, travelling with them,
and spending money lavishly, prayed, begged, and
threatened. The baron was inexorable, and replied
by silence only. The daughter sacrificed her mother
with Roman stoicism, playing the part of a humble
and obedient wife.
Madame was at first disheartened and fell ill ; then,
as one must live, she rented an apartment in the fau-
bourg, and, to augment her income, set up an ecarte,
taking care always to have around her many pleasing
young women to add to the attractions of the
place. The house soon became well known, although
no one cared to avow openly that they visited it.
Sofronof, Bavorof, and others remained faithful to the
unfortunate.
As may be supposed, this meeting between Muse
and Henri at the inn was equally distasteful to both.
The moment the baroness entered the grotto her eyes
fell on her old lover. Notwithstanding her usual
presence of mind, she was confused. More master of
the situation, Segel saluted her respectfully, and
smiled bitterly. •
At the same time there arrived another couple.
They were quietly dressed, yet with a certain distinc-
tion which is not always, as some think, an exclusive
possession of birth. They were the distinguished
guests expected by the host, Jacob and Mathilde.
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460 THE JEW.
They came in, thinking themselves unknown. The
husband was relating his first visit to this fairy grotto ;
the wife replied laughing. The sound of her voice
came to Henri's ears ; he believed it at first a hallu-
cination ; he listened attentively, and could not doubt
the reality of his first impression.
There seemed to him a strange fatality in this
simultaneous meeting of the two persons, one of
whom recalled his lost peace, the other his vanished
hopes. He could not see Mathilde, and the sound of
her weU-known voice seemed to descend from the
clouds. Curious to know if it were she, he went to the
end of the grotto, where, in an isolated comer, Jacob
dined with her. She seemed rejuvenated, and her face
shone with happiness. Her husband kissed her
hands, believing himself unobserved.
Segel experienced a feeling of wrath ; his lips curled
under a sardonic smile.
" All happy ! " said he. " And I " —
Then he returned to his place. The silvery voice
of Madame Jacob attracted the attention of the
baroness also, and she, likewise, drew near under pre-
text of examining the grotto. She gave a cry of sur-
prise. The couple turned and recognized Muse, who
tenderly greeted the old friend whom she had so often
wished dead.
"Ah, my dear Mathilde," cried she, " what a happy
and unexpected meeting 1 "
Truly it was a romantic encounter, rarely met with
in real life. Chance, however, often plays us tricks
altogether unforeseen.
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BPILOGUE. 461
Mathilde did not share the apparent joy of Muse,
for whom she had no great affection. But their ac-
quaintance dated back to the time when they both
wore short dresses, and the remembrances of child-
hood are always pleasant.
The proprieties required observance, and Jacob had
his table carried to the grand salotiy where their friends
were dining ; he certainly did not expect to see Henri
Segel, and Mathilde saw him first. She drew back,
for all her involuntary unhappy experience with Henri
appeared before her. Her husband, although much
annoyed, encouraged her to shake off her distress.
Segel understood that his presence was disagree-
able to all ; therefore it pleased him to impose it. It
delighted him to see all countenances grow pale and
abstracted at sight of him. He affected a cynical
gayety, drank a glass of wine, lighted a cigar, then
turned toward Jacob and Mathilde.
With well-simulated indifference Muse watched the
meeting. Her husband, playing the young man, had
risen quickly and received his wife's friends with
much courtesy. He was very polite to Jacob, and
entirely ignored the revolutionary r61e that he had
played.
Von Kreig detested Henri, but he deemed it proper
for a baron to disguise his sentiments, and he was very
courteous to his vanquished rival. The scene was
highly dramatic. There was no outward appearance
of excitement, however, for men of the world do not
show their feelings in public.
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46a THE JEW.
Gromofy roused from his meditations, looked around
and perceived Jacob.
"How strange," said he, "to meet you again at
Sestri."
" Yes," replied the latter, " a real accident. I am
the same as ever, you see, but not so gay as then."
The baron asked in a low voice : —
" Who is this person? "
" A Russian," replied Jacob.
Von Kreig, taking Gromof for a prominent official
of the imperial court, was going to ask for an intro-
duction, when Jacob whispered in his ear : —
"An outlaw."
The baron drew back and, as he was a strict con-
servative, thought : —
" What kind of company have we fallen in with,
anyway? " Then he said to Jacob : —
" Madame and yourself are travelling for pleasure,
are you not?"
" We are obliged to leave Poland," replied Jacob.
" I joined the revolutionists, was wounded and was
taken to Austria, whence orders came for me to leave
the country. My wife and I seek a retreat where we
may dwell peacefully. It is not so easy to find. No-
where in Europe, except in Switzerland or England,
is there much security for exiles. In Saxony they are
given leave to remain only temporarily. In Bavaria
they are not given leave to remain at aU. In France
an arbitrary expulsion, authorized by the law, always
like the sword of Damocles, is suspended over their
heads ; and in Belgium they are also unwelcome,"
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EPILOGUE,
463
" But I think, monsieur, that you can better your
position. The Russian government is magnanimous ;
it has proclaimed a general amnesty."
" Yes, I could have obtained that amnesty by solic-
itation. Unfortunately the pardon granted to-day
does not always do for to-morrow. In Russia the
despotism of caprice is the only law."
Von Kreig frowned.
"The state of siege exists now," said he, " but will
not last always."
"To ask permission to return is to avow a fault,"
said Jacob, " and to return to Poland now would be
to act against my conscience."
The baron knew not how to reply. Gromof re-
lieved him of this embarrassment by joining in the
conversation.
" I told you," said he to Jacob, " what would be
the result of your insurrection."
" Yes, but it could not be avoided. It was written
that Poland should be bathed in blood. It was a
trial or a chastisement of Providence ; it is not for me
to say which."
" You still believe in Providence ? AVhat an incor-
rigible child ! All Europe suffers from your folly.
You have revealed to the world the weakness of
England, the nullity of the imperial government of
Napoleon III., and the abasement of the moral level
of all society. Formerly other countries at least sym-
pathized with nations that were so oppressed, and
looked with disfavour upon the cruel tyrants who
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464 2^^^ y^^'
caused such suffering. Under Louis Philippe France
did nothing for Poland, but the two chambers at least
protested against her being utterly crushed. To-day
policy reigns, and they bow before superior force. For-
merly many hearts beat at the words " liberty" and " fra-
ternity." To-day these words provoke only a smile.
Lord Byron, when he risked his life for the indepen-
dence of Greece, passed for a Don Quixote. And
the country of these heroes has legislators who pretend
that humanity is not a family, that there is no union
among the people. Every one for himself 1 Every one
for himself ! Behold a summary of the actual moral
situation ! Neither you nor I will ever see the sun of
Uberty ! "
Von Kreig, terrified, whispered in his wife's
ear: —
" This Russian is a red revolutionist."
Henri interposed. He changed the subject of the
conversation, and from Poland passed to the Jews.
Segel maintained that the Israelites ought to profit by
the situation of things, without caring what became
of Poland. Jacob held to his opinion that it was
better to be with the oppressed against the oppressors.
Segel, laughing heartily, replied : —
" This is romantic, poetic, heroic, magnificent ; but
it is not practical."
"Whatever you may think," replied Jacob, "it is
our duty to convince the Christians that our morals
are not inferior to theirs, that love of one's neighbour
is taught in our books as in their Gospels, and that
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EPILOGUE, 465
between the Mosaic law and the Christian law there is
accord and not contradiction."
" Words, empty words," said Henri, " nothing but
words ! Material interest should be the motive of
nations as well as individuals. Liberty, equality, fra-
ternity are a triple aberration of mind ! Behold their
result : fields strewn with dead men and bones ! "
" Yes ; but the dead will rise, the bones will be re-
animated as in the vision of Ezekiel."
Jacob commenced to recite the passage, then, re-
marking that no one listened to him, turned gayly to
his wife and asked : —
" Is not Italy beautiful ? "
" It never seemed so lovely before," replied
Mathilde tenderly.
" And what do yo|j think of it, madame ? " asked
he of the baroness.
" Bah ! " replied she. " I suppose one must con-
form to the fashion and admire Italy. It is a pictur-
esque country; but, all things considered, this land
filled with tombs and ruins has nothing agreeable for
me. Prosaic as it is, I prefer Paris."
" Now, I do not like Paris," said Jacob.
" Is it permitted not to like Paris ? " cried Von Kreig.
" You are joking, monsieur."
" Not at all. The same places do not suit all
characters or all dispositions. To dreamy and poetic
temperaments I recommend Italy ; Germany, to those
who are positive and prosaic ; England, to men of
enterprise and activity ; and Paris, to high livers, and
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466 THE JEW.
to ladies who love the excitements and gayeties of
society."
"And Poland?" asked Henri.
"To those who thirst for martyrdom," replied Ja-
cob sadly*
" But now-a-days every one laughs at these Polish
theories of suffering and of sacrifice ! "
"Oh, dear and charming Paris ! " cried the
baroness.
" One vegetates elsewhere, one lives only in Paris,"
added her husband, "and perhaps a little in Lon-
don."
" Do not compare London with its fogs to my dear
Paris," replied his wife.
In the midst of this desultory chatting Henri re-
mained obstinately near, until the veturino which he
had ordered was announced. He could not deny
himself the bitter pleasure of seeing side by side her
who had been his wife, and her who was to have been.
He seemed unable to leave the place.
Meanwhile the dinner drew to a close. The dessert
was brought in, consisting of figs, spoiled pears, green
grapes, and musty peaches.
"No comparison is possible," said the baron^
"between these wretched fruits and the delicious
fruits we get at Paris."
"These are horrible !" added his wife, biting into
the bad part of a peach/ Then she turned to Mathilde
and asked her if she should return to Genoa.
"Yes ; but not until evening," she repUed.
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EPtLOGUE, 467
" Well, we must make haste, for we are going to the
theatre," said Muse.
They all arose from the table. The baron offered
cigars to Jacob and Henri Segel, but he hastened to
quit their society. One appeared to be compromising,
the other altogether odious. t
Gromof and the Tsigane chatted together. Muse
drew Mathilde into an obscure comer of the grotto to
ask her this question : —
"Are you happy?"
" Above all expression," replied she. " I have only
one sorrow, — to see our native land in such an un-
happy condition."
"And Jacob?"
" He is the best of men ; he is my ideal."
" What do you think of that horrid Henri? "
" I had to summon all my courage when he looked
at me so fixedly, a cold sweat came on my forehead.
He is capable of killing both of us."
" No ! He is not susceptible of so violent an
emotion. We ought to pardon him, for he suffers
keenly."
" Oh, no I I know better than that. He will easily
console himself."
The baron was impatient to depart, and coughed to
bring back his wife from the grotto. At last the two
friends separated, sa)dng farewell, and Muse bowed to
Henri from the distance, with a grave dignity. The
brilliant star entered her carriage and disappeared in
a cloud of dust on the highway. Jacob conducted
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468 THE JEW,
his wife to her room in the inn and descended to
the grotto.
Gromof and the Tsigane came to talk with him.
The Russian saw the future outlook dark and gloomy.
Jacob was rather optimistic.
" Man/' said he, " ought never to abandon himself
to despair. If he object to his own individual lot, it
is narrow-minded and weak. If he complain of the
lot of humanity, it is blindness or error. In the an-
nals of the world human events are submitted to a
normal development, an intelligent fatality which is
not arrested by the stupidity and malevolence of men.
The law of destiny, whatever we may do, will prevail.
Patience, and the storm will disappear."
" And we, — we cannot expect to live to see the
sun appear ! "
" Our children will see it, perhaps. In the collective
existence of humanity there is a cohesion of facts
which do not exist in the same individual existences.
Individuals are only the stones of a vast edifice."
"You are a happy man from all points of view," de-
clared Henri. " You have faith in the aim of life,
you possess serenity of soul ; nothing is lacking."
" And you ? Can you not acquire the same happi-
ness ? "
" No. I have squeezed life like a lemon. There
remains to me only the bitter peel. I exist aimlessly ;
I believe in riothing ; everything seems to me sense-
less or ridiculous. It is the malady of the age. Your
dreams are worth more than the reality."
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EPILOGUE, 469
" They are not dreams. For me it is the living
reality. Your materialism is what is false. You will
soon return to Poland ; there is much to do there^
Do your duty there, and life will have a new meaning
for you."
Henri laughed ironically and said : —
" In the meanwhile I have another work on hand.
I am going to attach myself to Muse. I shall follow
her everywhere. She will see continuously my mock-
ing face. I will be the skeleton at the feast, and I
will enjoy this revenge to satiety. Every one to his
taste I I really believe that Satan cradled me, and
that this nurse has injected into my blood some of his
own character."
He gave an infernal laugh, took his hat, and left
them, saying : —
" I will join Muse at the theatre."
THE END.
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